Interrelation between legibility attributes and park utilization as determinants for responsive neighborhood parks

The rising need for social interaction is evident particularly in urban areas due to a stressful urban life and social isolation. In residential areas, neighborhood parks have an important function in supporting social integration and social bonding. Nevertheless, studies have indicated that these p...

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Main Authors: Ujang, Norsidah, Moulay, Amine, Ahmad, Nobaya, Maulan, Suhardi, Abu Bakar, Nor Azlina
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IJAR 2018
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/74720/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/74720/1/Interrelation%20between.pdf
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author Ujang, Norsidah
Moulay, Amine
Ahmad, Nobaya
Maulan, Suhardi
Abu Bakar, Nor Azlina
author_facet Ujang, Norsidah
Moulay, Amine
Ahmad, Nobaya
Maulan, Suhardi
Abu Bakar, Nor Azlina
author_sort Ujang, Norsidah
building UPM Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description The rising need for social interaction is evident particularly in urban areas due to a stressful urban life and social isolation. In residential areas, neighborhood parks have an important function in supporting social integration and social bonding. Nevertheless, studies have indicated that these parks are not fully utilized for the benefits of residents which could be due to the lack of parks’ legibility. This paper investigates the interrelationship between park utilization and legibility of three neighborhood parks within new residential developments in Malaysia. The research findings are based on field observations and a questionnaire survey conducted with 387 residents of the areas. Results indicate a significant correlation between park utilization and park legibility, implying the potential for social interactions among residents within a legible park setting. The level of the park visual obstruction and the clarity of its structure were found to be strongly linked with park utilization and the intensity of outdoor activities. However, certain critical physical characteristics including the critical density of population and gated neighborhoods may decrease the positive effect of park’s legibility. The findings inform the crucial role of legible environment in the design and planning of neighborhood parks to afford socially responsive public spaces thus enhances the social life of urban dwellers.
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spelling upm-747202020-03-17T08:13:22Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/74720/ Interrelation between legibility attributes and park utilization as determinants for responsive neighborhood parks Ujang, Norsidah Moulay, Amine Ahmad, Nobaya Maulan, Suhardi Abu Bakar, Nor Azlina The rising need for social interaction is evident particularly in urban areas due to a stressful urban life and social isolation. In residential areas, neighborhood parks have an important function in supporting social integration and social bonding. Nevertheless, studies have indicated that these parks are not fully utilized for the benefits of residents which could be due to the lack of parks’ legibility. This paper investigates the interrelationship between park utilization and legibility of three neighborhood parks within new residential developments in Malaysia. The research findings are based on field observations and a questionnaire survey conducted with 387 residents of the areas. Results indicate a significant correlation between park utilization and park legibility, implying the potential for social interactions among residents within a legible park setting. The level of the park visual obstruction and the clarity of its structure were found to be strongly linked with park utilization and the intensity of outdoor activities. However, certain critical physical characteristics including the critical density of population and gated neighborhoods may decrease the positive effect of park’s legibility. The findings inform the crucial role of legible environment in the design and planning of neighborhood parks to afford socially responsive public spaces thus enhances the social life of urban dwellers. IJAR 2018 Article PeerReviewed text en http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/74720/1/Interrelation%20between.pdf Ujang, Norsidah and Moulay, Amine and Ahmad, Nobaya and Maulan, Suhardi and Abu Bakar, Nor Azlina (2018) Interrelation between legibility attributes and park utilization as determinants for responsive neighborhood parks. Archnet-IJAR, 12 (2). 40 - 56. ISSN 1938-7806 10.26687/archnet-ijar.v12i2.1567
spellingShingle Ujang, Norsidah
Moulay, Amine
Ahmad, Nobaya
Maulan, Suhardi
Abu Bakar, Nor Azlina
Interrelation between legibility attributes and park utilization as determinants for responsive neighborhood parks
title Interrelation between legibility attributes and park utilization as determinants for responsive neighborhood parks
title_full Interrelation between legibility attributes and park utilization as determinants for responsive neighborhood parks
title_fullStr Interrelation between legibility attributes and park utilization as determinants for responsive neighborhood parks
title_full_unstemmed Interrelation between legibility attributes and park utilization as determinants for responsive neighborhood parks
title_short Interrelation between legibility attributes and park utilization as determinants for responsive neighborhood parks
title_sort interrelation between legibility attributes and park utilization as determinants for responsive neighborhood parks
url http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/74720/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/74720/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/74720/1/Interrelation%20between.pdf