Square as Urban Space in Iraq: the Effectiveness of Design Attributes on Social Interaction
Omar Hussein Ali1, Nor Haslina Ja’afar2, Mohd Khairul Azhar Mat Sulaiman3, Omar Abdulwahhab Khalaf4
1Omar Hussein Ali, Centre of Innovative Architecture & Built Environment (SErAMBI), Architecture Programme, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
2Nor Haslina Ja’afar, Centre of Innovative Architecture & Built Environment (SErAMBI), Architecture Programme, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
3Mohd Khairul Azhar Mat Sulaiman, Centre of Innovative Architecture & Built Environment (SErAMBI), Architecture Programme, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
4Omar Abdulwahhab Khalaf, Centre of Innovative Architecture & Built Environment (SErAMBI), Architecture Programme, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Manuscript received on 25 March 2019 | Revised Manuscript received on 04 April 2019 | Manuscript Published on 27 April 2019 | PP: 305-310 | Volume-7 Issue-6S2 April 2019 | Retrieval Number: F10480476S219/2019©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Square is an element of urban space, an expression of public open spaces. It has been identified as the heart of cities, giving them an identity of place and a uniqueness of character. This paper seeks to determine the important environmental design attributes that influence user social activity in the square as urban space. The study adopts a quantitative approach, employing a survey questionnaire as the primary research instrument and supported by observation. This pilot survey uses a sample size of 32 users at the square as urban space respondents. Multiple regression analysis is performed to determine the effective design aspects of social activity, and the visual analysis is applied for observation. The study reveals that there are some elements, which have a critical influence on user activities in urban space in Iraq. Those elements are landscape features, provision of shelter and shade protection, the use and need facilities made available by public business, maintenance, and discovery. This study generates an understanding of user behaviour attitudes towards the square as public urban space in the Iraqi context. Thus, the designer should consider those square design elements that generate the activity in an Iraqi square.
Keywords: Square, Urban Space, Environmental Attributes, Social Activity, Multiple Regression.
Scope of the Article: Design Optimization of Structures