Incorporate user perspectives in public space design

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 66 views

The Image of Public Space in Planned Housing: A Case Study of Cemara Asri Housing

Introduction

Public spaces in planned housing play a vital role in fostering social interaction among residents and visitors. These spaces, such as sidewalks, public parks, coastals, and places of worship, serve as a means of community formation and can significantly impact the quality of life of residents. This study aims to explore the image of public space in planned housing, specifically in Cemara Asri Housing in Medan, by examining the perceptions of different user groups, including residential residents, visitors, people who have never visited, and architecture and design students.

The Importance of Public Space in Planned Housing

Housing development is an integral part of community formation, and well-designed public spaces can create an environment that supports social interaction and improves the quality of life of residents. Public spaces in planned housing can serve as a hub for community activities, promote social cohesion, and provide a sense of belonging among residents. Therefore, it is essential to understand the image of public space in planned housing and how it can be designed to meet the needs of various user groups.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study called "Most Similar Case". The method used allowed researchers to draw theoretical conclusions by examining the striking differences between the groups studied based on several variables specified. Data analysis was carried out through the collection of mental maps and questionnaires, which were used as measuring instruments to evaluate the image of public space.

Data Collection and Analysis

The data collection process involved distributing questionnaires and collecting mental maps from different user groups, including residential residents, visitors, people who have never visited, and architecture and design students. The questionnaires were designed to gather information on the users' perceptions of public space, including ease of navigation, route choices, and movements in public spaces. The mental maps were used to visualize the users' cognitive maps of public space and identify any patterns or differences in their perceptions.

Results

The results of the analysis showed that the image of public space is formed by several elements, including ease of navigation, route choices, and movements in public spaces. The difference in image produced by each group of user groups was quite significant. Housing residents provided an excellent assessment of public space, followed by visitors to public spaces who also provided a good assessment. However, people who have never visited housing showed an unfavorable image, while architectural students, design, and design provided an excellent assessment.

Discussion

The results of this study provide an important insight into how the image of public space can differ depending on the background and experience of the user. In the context of housing planning and design, these results emphasize the importance of considering various user perspectives in creating effective and adequate public space. Public spaces that are well designed will not only increase social interaction but will also contribute to the creation of a more cohesive and harmonious society.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significance of public space in planned housing and the need to consider various user perspectives in its design. The results of this study can inform housing planners and developers to create public spaces that meet the needs of different user groups and promote social interaction and community formation. By understanding the image of public space in planned housing, we can create more livable and sustainable communities that support the well-being of residents.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Incorporate user perspectives in public space design: Housing planners and developers should consider the needs and perspectives of different user groups, including residential residents, visitors, people who have never visited, and architecture and design students, in the design of public spaces.
Create accessible and navigable public spaces: Public spaces should be designed to be easily accessible and navigable, with clear signage and minimal obstacles, to promote social interaction and community formation.
Provide amenities and services: Public spaces should be equipped with amenities and services that meet the needs of different user groups, such as seating areas, restrooms, and food vendors.
Monitor and evaluate public space use: Housing planners and developers should regularly monitor and evaluate the use of public spaces to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited scope: This study focused on a single case study, Cemara Asri Housing, which may not be representative of other planned housing developments.
Methodological limitations: The use of questionnaires and mental maps as data collection instruments may have limitations in terms of validity and reliability.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Expand the scope of the study: Future studies should aim to explore the image of public space in multiple planned housing developments to identify any patterns or differences in user perceptions.
Use more robust data collection methods: Future studies should use more robust data collection methods, such as surveys and interviews, to gather more accurate and reliable data.
Examine the impact of public space design on user behavior: Future studies should aim to examine the impact of public space design on user behavior, including social interaction and community formation.
Q&A: The Image of Public Space in Planned Housing

Q: What is the significance of public space in planned housing?

A: Public space in planned housing plays a vital role in fostering social interaction among residents and visitors. These spaces can significantly impact the quality of life of residents and contribute to the creation of a more cohesive and harmonious society.

Q: What are the different types of public spaces in planned housing?

A: The different types of public spaces in planned housing include sidewalks, public parks, coastals, and places of worship. These spaces serve as a means of community formation and can provide a sense of belonging among residents.

Q: How do different user groups perceive public space in planned housing?

A: The results of this study show that different user groups have varying perceptions of public space in planned housing. Housing residents provided an excellent assessment of public space, followed by visitors to public spaces who also provided a good assessment. However, people who have never visited housing showed an unfavorable image, while architectural students, design, and design provided an excellent assessment.

Q: What are the key elements that form the image of public space in planned housing?

A: The key elements that form the image of public space in planned housing include ease of navigation, route choices, and movements in public spaces. These elements can significantly impact the user's perception of public space and their willingness to engage with it.

Q: How can housing planners and developers create effective and adequate public space in planned housing?

A: Housing planners and developers can create effective and adequate public space in planned housing by considering various user perspectives, incorporating user feedback, and designing public spaces that are accessible, navigable, and equipped with amenities and services that meet the needs of different user groups.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, limited scope, and methodological limitations. Future studies should aim to address these limitations and provide more robust and generalizable findings.

Q: What are the implications of this study for housing planning and development?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for housing planning and development. They highlight the importance of considering various user perspectives in the design of public spaces and the need to create public spaces that are accessible, navigable, and equipped with amenities and services that meet the needs of different user groups.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should aim to expand the scope of the study, use more robust data collection methods, and examine the impact of public space design on user behavior. These studies can provide more comprehensive and generalizable findings and inform housing planning and development practices.

Q: How can the findings of this study be applied in practice?

A: The findings of this study can be applied in practice by housing planners and developers who are designing public spaces in planned housing. They can use the results of this study to inform their design decisions and create public spaces that meet the needs of different user groups and promote social interaction and community formation.

Q: What are the potential benefits of applying the findings of this study in practice?

A: The potential benefits of applying the findings of this study in practice include the creation of public spaces that are more accessible, navigable, and equipped with amenities and services that meet the needs of different user groups. This can lead to increased social interaction, community formation, and a higher quality of life for residents.