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

Behavioural Observation Of Human Stationary And Sustained Activities In Pedestrian Priority Streets Of Johor Bahru

Streets are considered to be major public spaces in the urban fabric. A pedestrian street is a street in which the carriageway space has been prioritised for pedestrian use. In Malaysia, due to enhancements of the streetscape and the promotion of the qualities of urban spaces, "pedestrianisation" has been suggested as a solution to recover space for pedestrian and non-traffic activities. A review of the literature has revealed that when people engage in a variety of activities, the streets become livelier. However, few empirical studies have addressed stationary and sustained activities in pedestrian streets. This research focused on pedestrian activities in Meldrum Walk and Segget Walk in Johor Bahru. Through behavioural observation, data on pedestrians of diverse age groups and genders, along with different types of activities and postures, were analysed. This study recommended that policy makers initiate conscious attempts to create diverse environments to attract a varied group of people to reside near pedestrian streets or attract visitors to frequent these streets. In addition, policy makers need to focus on interest groups, including children, senior citizens and/or disabled people, to make it easier for these groups to participate in activities in pedestrian streets

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

Heritage contribution in sustainable city

The concept of sustainability has been an integral part of development work since the late 1970s. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a reality that must be addressed by cities all over the world. Increasing empirical evidence indicates that city sustainability is not just related to technical issues, such as carbon emissions, energy consumption and waste management, or on the economic aspects of urban regeneration and growth, but also it covers social well-being of different groups living within increasingly cosmopolitan towns and cities. Heritage is seen as a major component of quality of life, features that give a city its unique character and provide the sense of belonging that lies at the core of cultural identity. In other words, heritage by providing important social and psychological benefits enrich human life with meanings and emotions, and raise quality of life as a key component of sustainability. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to examine the role that built cultural heritage can play within sustainable urban development

The vitality of a pedestrian street in Johor Bahru City

In Malaysia, similar to other parts of the world, majority of urban development occurs along the streets. On the other hand, streets involve much of public life in each city and creating successful streets has been always desired, since socially activating streets are crucial for the users and the sustainability of the cities, they belong. Considering the recent improvements of the physical contexts in a traditional street of Malaysia, this study aims to investigate the social vitality status of Meldrum Walk, in which the priority is given to non-motorised users. The main focus of the study is on the current users, the ways they participate and the activities they involve, together with the purposes of their involvement in that street. Structured behavioral observation and questionnaire survey are the two methods applied for this study

Street geometry factors influence urban microclimate in tropical coastal cities: a review

Urban climatologists have moved smoothly towards urban geometry meso-scales as obstruction between buildings, streets, and urban environment. Urban climatologists and designers have expressed that urban geometry parameters affect urban microclimate conditions. Improper functioning of the geometry factors, particularly air temperature and wind speed, can increase the harshness of climate change and Urban Heat Island (UHI) defects, which are more critical in coastal cities of tropical regions. In this regard, the current study aimed to identify the impact of each street geometry factor on urban microclimate through a critical literature review. The research determined a total of twenty seven (27) factors within three clusters; 1) geometry factors, 2) meteorological factors, and 3) streetscape factors. The content analysis calculated the Depth of Citation (DoC) which refers to the cumulative importance level of each factor. The content analysis resulted air temperature (Ta) (DoC = 18 out of 28) is the most important street geometry factor that should be extensively considered in urban microclimate studies in coastal cities. In contrast, the factors (such as air pollution and traffic load) have received a minimum Doc (1 out of 28). The research has also analyzed the importance level of clusters through an expert input study using Grounded Group Decision Making (GGDM) method. The results show that meteorological cluster (92 %), streetscape cluster (86 %), and geometry cluster (85 %) have to be respectively implemented in urban microclimate studies in coastal cities. The research states there are new approaches have not yet been touched by urban climatologist affecting urban microclimate; included; surface materials, sea-borne dust and sand, user’s satisfaction, user’s thermal adaptive behavior. These approaches can potentially exacerbate UHI effectsin coastal cities, which need further researc

Redefining landmarks

Paths, nodes, districts, landmarks and edges as classified by Kevin Lynch have been strongly debated since the 1960’s and the typical issue of contentment would be about the overlapping definitions between some categories and their order of importance. For example, can a node be a landmark? Some commentators consider that landmarks are one of the most significant urban components and possibly more important than other components that require examination and appraisal. This paper will discuss if landmarks can be perceived beyond their archetypal perception of being tall, large, monumental, distinct, and referring only to buildings or towers. It is the aim of the study to expand the notion of landmarks into several categories

Redefining landmarks

Paths, nodes, districts, landmarks and edges as classified by Kevin Lynch have been strongly debated since the 1960’s and the typical issue of contentment would be about the overlapping definitions between some categories and their order of importance. For example, can a node be a landmark? Some commentators consider that landmarks are one of the most significant urban components and possibly more important than other components that require examination and appraisal. This paper will discuss if landmarks can be perceived beyond their archetypal perception of being tall, large, monumental, distinct, and referring only to buildings or towers. It is the aim of the study to expand the notion of landmarks into several categories

A comparative analysis of perception of urban landmarks between designers, non-designers and laypublic : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (volume 1)

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