Analysis of urban public spaces from objective and subjective perspectives (Case of main streets in Rasht, Iran)

Introduction

Public spaces, which are considered important urban elements, play a decisive role in the quality of life of citizens and reflect the interactions and social behaviors of city people. These public spaces have characteristics and elements whose quality can be improved to provide a more pleasant and sustainable life in the city. Therefore, identifying effective criteria on the quality of urban public spaces plays an important role in the fundamental development of cities and creating a desirable urban environment.

The purpose of the research

By examining the public spaces of the main streets of Rasht city, this research has identified and evaluated the factors affecting their quality from an objective and subjective point of view.

Methodology

For the objective evaluation of the street quality, field observation and completion of the checklist have been used, and for the subjective evaluation of the street quality, a questionnaire has been used. Data analysis and measurement of the quality of the public spaces of the streets were done using the TOPSIS model, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for the correlation between the two variables of objective quality and subjective quality.

Geographical area of research

In this research, the public spaces of the main streets of Rasht city have been studied in 11 clusters.

Results and discussion

The correlation between the quality of objective characteristics and subjective characteristics has been calculated as R=0.68. In terms of comparison of different clusters' enjoyment of the qualities of the public space of the streets from an objective and subjective point of view, clusters 11, 6, and 7 have TOPSIS coefficients above 0.5. Also, clusters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 10 have TOPSIS coefficients less than 0.5.

Conclusion

This research was carried out on the basis of data acquired through filed observation and questionnaire interview. The TOPSIS analysis revealed that the central and northern parts of the city, which mostly include middle and higher social groups have higher level of street qualities, while southern and south western parts of the city which mainly include the lower social classes and rural migrants have a lower quality of street spaces. The results also depict there is a significant relationship between objective and subjective characteristics of street qualities in Rasht. Meaning the higher the objective quality of a street space, the higher its subjective quality.