A comparison of space quality in streets in the context of public open space design: The example of Izmir, Barcelona, and Liverpool

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study is based on the principle that urban open spaces constitute the basic foundation for the formation of public life and it is a comparative study of the “space quality of streets.” The space quality of the streets is of crucial importance for cities. Accordingly, the content of this study consists of identifying and evaluating the “criteria” that will ensure the transformation of streets into “quality” public spaces. The space quality of streets is one of the main indicators of “urban space design” in not only cities but also countries. In this context, city centers of Izmir in Turkey, Barcelona in Spain, and Liverpool in England were chosen as samples for this study. The results of this evaluation process were obtained by comparing the space quality of all streets and three cities themselves within the limits established using a hybrid method. The overall results showed that streets were dominated by motor vehicles and “deviated from decent space quality.” However, the Turkey sample, in particular, evidently has serious issues about producing quality urban spaces on a street basis. Although the Spanish and England samples had similar quality values, the Spanish sample ranked higher. This study will also contribute to the generation of a discussion that will guide decision-makers and administrators on spaces by addressing space design approaches of cities through the streets.