Legibility of Neighborhood Parks

Researchers commonly acknowledge the functions of neighborhood parks in terms of social interaction and their potential roles as social integrators. Nevertheless, many cities are facing the problem of underutilized parks which could be due to the park elements that are not legible and appealing. This book examines the relationship between legibility attributes (clear structure, visual obstacles, and accessibility) with social interaction (park engagement and the intensity of contact) within neighborhood parks. The results presented are based on a questionnaire survey and a mental mapping exercise conducted with residents in the city of Putrajaya, Malaysia. Results revealed that legibility of the neighborhood parks influences duration of use, which in turn increases the potential for social interactions among neighborhood residents. The present research intends to inform the urban planning and design professionals, local authorities and related agencies on the value and the importance of park's legibility in planned residential areas for the social well-being of the community.

Autorentext

Amine Moulay, PhD condidate in Urban Design: Studied Architecture in EPAU Algeria, MBA in the Franco-Algerian School of Business Administration, Master. Phil in Urban Design at University Putra Malaysia. Research & Teaching Assistant at UPM, Malaysia.