The Relationship between Behavioral & Psychological Aspects of Design Factors and Social Interaction in Public Squares

AbstractThe main purpose of this study is investigated on relationship between behavioral & psychological aspect of design factors in Public Square and social interaction among users. The specific survey method used in this study is cross-sectional survey design, the questionnaire survey in which questionnaires are used for data collection. This study addressed construct validity, the sampling method was non-probability (convenience) and data collected from 208 users of Sabze Meydan Square in Qazvin (Iran). The questionnaire includes a total of three constructs, psychological aspect, social activity type, social environment perception of public square users. In this study, for assessing the reliability of the questionnaire applied the coefficient of Cronbach alpha. The structural equation modeling (SEM) used to test of hypothesis and the finding of the research has the potential to enrich the body of knowledge among academicians as well as practitioners. The result revealed that the there is a positive relationship among behavioral & psychological aspects of design factors and social interaction in public square via users’ perception

Design's factors influencing social interaction in public squares

This study provides a clear picture of effective use of public squares by taking into account the perceptions of users in Sabze Meydan of Qazvin (Iran). The study adopts a quantitative line of inquiry. The specific survey method used is cross-sectional survey design and a questionnaire survey. In the present study, the sampling method is non-probability (convenience) sampling with a sample size of 208 participants. The questionnaire includes a total of three constructs measuring design factors, social activity type and perception of users (about social environment of public square). Items in all scales used 5-point agreed-disagreed statements. In assessing the reliability of the questionnaire, the coefficient of Cronbach alpha was applied. The validity of the questionnaire, was tested using the content and construct validity. The structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis and the finding of the research, which has the potential to enrich the body of knowledge among academicians as well as practitioners. In this study, new and un-established relationships have been hypothesized based on theory. The result revealed that the function of the public square has changed and there is a positive relationship between design factors, social activity and users' perception

Design's factors influencing social interaction in public squares

This study provides a clear picture of effective use of public squares by taking into account the perceptions of users in Sabze Meydan of Qazvin (Iran). The study adopts a quantitative line of inquiry. The specific survey method used is cross-sectional survey design and a questionnaire survey. In the present study, the sampling method is non-probability (convenience) sampling with a sample size of 208 participants. The questionnaire includes a total of three constructs measuring design factors, social activity type and perception of users (about social environment of public square). Items in all scales used 5-point agreed-disagreed statements. In assessing the reliability of the questionnaire, the coefficient of Cronbach alpha was applied. The validity of the questionnaire, was tested using the content and construct validity. The structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis and the finding of the research, which has the potential to enrich the body of knowledge among academicians as well as practitioners. In this study, new and un-established relationships have been hypothesized based on theory. The result revealed that the function of the public square has changed and there is a positive relationship between design factors, social activity and users' perception

Design factors that influence the effective use of Meydan in Iran

This research addresses the issues of urban square as a public space, where less people are using the space for social interaction as well as participating in any event occurring in the square. Furthermore, most urban planners would just comply with the rules and regulations of the government's department in designing a public space and less consideration about the various needs of the public, especially with regards to social interaction. Consequently, the urban square lost its attraction and function as a public place. This research investigates the relationship between the design factors and effective use of public squares for social interaction in Qazvin, a town in Iran. Theoretical framework of this study was grounded by place, familiarity, hierarchy of human needs and personal construct theories. A quantitative and qualitative method based on a case study approach was employed in this study. A questionnaire survey was used for the quantitative part involving 208 respondents. The qualitative part involved 15 urban designers and architects for the in-depth interviews. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and qualitative content analysis were used in data analysis. The data were triangulated to examine the relationships between the design factors and effective use of public squares for social interaction. The main theoretical contribution of this research is identifying the physical, managerial, geographical, behavioural and psychological design factors that influence the effective use of urban squares in the different geographical and cultural contexts. In addition, the type of activities generated within and surrounding the square has an influence in attracting people to use the square. The result also shows that, when people are satisfied with the design of public squares, they will be more involved in social activities occurring in the place. Theoretically, this study enhances the knowledge on design factors that influence social interaction in terms of effective use of public squares. The findings suggest that any decision to improve the public square should take into consideration the dominant function of the square as perceived by the users

The impact of physical design factors on the effective use of public squares

This article reviews extant literature in the field of the effective use of public square.This review has been undertaken with a specific focus on understanding the meaning of ""effective use"" and the factors that work towards effect use in perspective of square. Starting with a historical overview that provides genesis of this thought, the review moves into analysis of current definitions of ""effective use"". After providing a thorough picture of effective use, the article deals with physical factors. At various points in the article and at the end, future research directions that follow the relevant sections are discussed as propositions

Investigating the Role of Historical Public Squares on Promotion of Citizens’ Quality of Life

Public Square is one of the main pillars in social life that has effects on the social quality of the urban public space, and improving the level of social interactions of the citizens. Considering the effect of public space in quality of social life, in many modern cities, the public squares that have recently designed and constructed aren't responsive for social needs, improvement of communications and the social relations of citizens. This matter appears because of poor conditions of cities during modernization and lack of attention to cultural, sociological and psychological needs, therefore analyzing the contributing factors on urban quality of successful historical public squares for improving citizens' quality of life can introduce a guideline for designers and planners to solve contemporary urban problems. In this research, that has been developed based on descriptive procedure, the characteristics of Naghshe-Jahan Square as an active and vibrant historical public square has been examined to realize the effective factors on improving the quality of citizens' urban life. The results of research indicate that quality of citizen's urban life indicators in historical public square included visual aesthetic (Spatial continuity and hierarchy, emphasis on the axis of symmetry, balance and visual contrast, Sense of closure and introspection, Sense of wideness based on observer's field of view), functional qualities (Special location in city core, political, religious, economical, commercial, tourism, recreation, cultural, historical and social values of the square, pedestrian accessibility, inclusiveness of square to different social groups, various ages and genders). However, results show that, in developing the design for this historical public square, a comprehensive attention was paid to non-physical aspects like social beliefs, culture, traditions and religion. Therefore, Naghshe-Jahan Square in Isfahan, served as a multifunctional historical public space for improving the quality of urban life in the Iranian urbanism history