A Multi-Dimensional Clustering Applied to Classify the Typology of Urban Public Parks in Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand

Chompoonut Kongphunphin,Manat Srivanit

doi:10.3390/su132011426

Abstract

Public parks are public spaces that support community activities and enhance the environmental quality of a city. Depending on the local urban context in terms of socio-economic conditions and location, the physical characteristics and particular uses of each public park may vary from each other. Accordingly, urban public parks and their uses reflect the characteristics of communities and neighborhoods where the public parks are located. The aim of this study is to apply analytical approaches using a multi-dimensional clustering method to classify multivariate characteristics of public parks into typologies that combine a set of criteria related to internal park attributes and external physical environments around parks in an urban context of Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand. An analysis of a multi-dimensional data set from 30 public parks resulted in six identified clusters of characteristics of urban park areas. The study demonstrates how the context-specific typology can assist local urban planners, policymakers, and government authorities when considering management strategies for public parks in Bangkok areas.

Highlights

Clustering Applied to Classify the Keywords: urban public parks; multi-dimensional clustering method; park typology; park characteristics
Each principal component (PC) has a similar relationship reflected in the demonstrative character of the factors
The researchers named each factor classification as follows: (1) The building and land-use factor (PC1), which was a combination of four external factors that indicate the level of urbanization density and intensity, for example, the diversity of housing types, Open space ratio (OSR), building density, and Floor area ratio (FAR)

Summary

Introduction

Clustering Applied to Classify the Keywords: urban public parks; multi-dimensional clustering method; park typology; park characteristics. Public parks help to create a sense of place by supporting community activities that improve the quality of life for all who live in the city and especially for communities where the public parks are located [10,16,17]. The physical features of parks identify the unique character of the district where the public parks are located. They can define the landscape and townscape structure and identity of settlements [19,20,21]. Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations

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