Promoting Outdoor Spaces Design features to Increase User Satisfaction in Residential Area. Duhok City as case Study

Abstract

The rapid development of the residential area in Duhok City and the new trend of housing policy towards high density and multifamily housing complexes affect the urban social life of the residents. The urban public open and green spaces in housing complexes create places for residents to come together and to strengthen their social networks. This research aims to investigate the outdoor space design approach in the new developed housing project (Avro city) as an example for high density multifamily housing complex due to its outdoor space design characteristics to identifying design features and elements that promote the quality of urban life and increase the user satisfaction in residential area. The researcher used qualitative data collection methodology using case study approach. The data collection method based on three sources namely the analytical study of the outdoor space design features from the available maps and site visiting, the on-Site observations of the residents, how they use the outdoor space, and the questionnaire survey results with the residents to measure their satisfaction about the outdoor space living environment. The findings of the research indicate that the design quality of the physical features such as landscape design, artificial water, landscape furniture, a proper pedestrian and greenery encourage people to use the outdoor space for social activities. Finally, the research provides guidelines for housing developers, urban designers and related governmental institutions to incorporate effective outdoor space design quality for successful urban living environment.