Showing 4 results for Urban Parks
Ahmad Hami, Suhardi Maulan, Manohar Mariapan, Mohammad Malekizadeh,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (6-2014)
Abstract
Abstract Urban parks are important public multifunctional space used for a wide range of activities. The usage levels of parks depend on the spatial characteristics of the spaces, where its forms and occupancies are referred as the usage-spatial relationship. Natural elements spatial complexity and park usability is of interest in this study. A photo - questionnaire was conducted among 296 of park users in Tabriz, Iran to gauge the relationship between park usability dimensions and natural elements complexity levels. The result revealed three dimensions for park usability namely social activities, passive nature activities, and nature appreciation where passive nature activities received the highest preference. The results from SEM models addressed non-significant relationship between park usability and high complexity level of natural elements meanwhile there was a significant positive relationship between social activities and moderate complexity of natural elements. A negative significant relationship of nature appreciation and positive relationship of social activities with low complex natural elements were observed. Landscape designers should avoid suggesting crowded planting areas (high complexity), which obstruct visibility in urban park and probably reduce perceived safety. It seems that water features show positive effect on people’s desire to do activities in urban park. Spatial configuration of vegetation contributed in park usability level and a safe feeling in urban park which might be necessary for future researches.
H. Shahhosseini, M. Kamal Bin M. S., S. Bin Maulan,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (12-2015)
Abstract
The importance of small urban parks (SUP) in mega cities has been accepted as an essential component of urban lung and restorative settings. As urban population in the world increases and the cost of maintaining large parks escalates, urban authorities are shifting their attention to creating and maintaining smaller urban parks. However, SUP may present a different ambience due to their location, size and visual appearence. In this regard, visual preference which is associated with spatial configuration and content of space, plays a vital role. This research examined 394 respondents’ visual preferences related to 16 SUP located in the city of Tabriz, Iran. It employed a quantitative photo survey method, based on Kaplan and Kaplan's information-processing and Appleton’s prospect-refuge theories as preselected variables by expert panels. Results indicated that mystery, as an indicator of having winding shapes of paths and expansive body of trees, was the most preferred spatial configuration of space, followed by coherence, refuge and complexity. Legibility and prospect as indicators of wide perspective and sky lines with clear focal points were the least preferred constructs. The results provide information on preferred visual configurations for SUP that may assist urban designers and landscape architects to improve their design of these specific green areas for the public.
Marzieh Afsharzadeh, Mohsen Khorasanizadeh, Saeid Norouzian-Maleki, Alireza Karimi,
Volume 31, Issue 3 (7-2021)
Abstract
Nowadays, many urban parks are underutilized due to changes and developments of cities, parks location, inappropriate inner conditions of parks, and other factors. Besat Park in Tehran is located in an urban district where people have fewer recreational choices other than going to parks. So, the issue of underutilization in this park might lead to so many other problems. This research is aimed to identify and prioritize the effective factors which can improve the visitors’ number of Besat Park. Field observations and interviews with Besat Park users were used in this research. During the observation process, three main factors were scrutinized including activity, access, and legibility. Behavioral mapping was applied to observations in 18 parts of the park which occurred at 6 different times in various seasons. Behavior mapping recordings were based on people's age, gender, and activity. Also, a questionnaire was set up covering the three main factors investigated in behavioral mappings. The results show that activity as the main important factor had negatively affected the level of presence in Besat Park. Even on large scale, the incompatible land uses inhibited neighborhood resident’s interaction with the park edges. Inside the park, despite the lack of legibility and impermeability of some routes and districts, only the ones which had other issues in terms of activity, access, and other sub-factors were vulnerable to the mentioned problems. Generally, the factors affecting Besat Park use could be prioritized based on their level of influence respectively as activity, legibility, and access.
Mehdi Nilipour, Leila Medghalchi, Morteza Mirgholami,
Volume 32, Issue 1 (1-2022)
Abstract
In recent years, several studies have focused on the perceived meanings of urban parks. However, few studies are to be found providing a comprehensive model of the meanings and associations of an urban park. This paper seeks to address the main following question: What are the meanings and associations of Fateh Garden for its users?
In this study, a grounded theory approach was conducted to identify meanings and associations as intangible cultural resources of Fateh Garden which is one of the largest and most popular parks in Karaj. In this regard, sixty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with Fateh Garden’s users. The results reveal that when users are asked about the park, they often come up with pleasant meanings and associations. Components, events, and activities as causal conditions create pleasant meanings and associations for the users of Fateh Garden. Moreover, ease of accessibility facilitates the use of this park. However, there are some issues, problems, and contradictions related to Fateh Garden that need to be addressed. In this regard, identifying problems and providing solutions can lead to promoting peace, safety, and hope for Fateh Garden’s users. This study identifies eight categories and sixteen subcategories. The substantive theory that emerged, was named promoting peace, safety, and hope through pleasant meanings and associations. This study provides a framework for urban parks managers and future researchers to assess intangible cultural resources of urban parks.
