Developing a quantitative tool to measure the extent to which public spaces meet user needs

Abstract

Public spaces acquire their value from their ability to meet users' needs and requirements, and their contributing to people's well-being and promoting quality of life. Although several studies have suggested methodologies and tools to measure certain features and elements of open spaces, a comprehensive quantitative tool to measure open users' needs and requirements has not been issued. This study developed a quantity tool to measure the extent to which public spaces meet users' needs and requirements. The tool was developed and implemented in four selected spaces in Sana'a city in Yemen. Space users, specialists in architecture and urban design, and experts in the field of the urban environment were involved in the development of the tool. Tool development has gone through the following validation processes; face validity, content validity index, construct validity of the tool, and internal consistency of items and factors. This study addresses a measuring tool that uses gap analysis index to determine the difference between the current level and the required level when public spaces meet users' requirements.