Abstract
Due to increasing urbanization, the distribution of human settlements is changing and this has led to the rapid decline of vegetation cover in cities and townships. Urbanization tends to decrease the proportion of land that is dedicated to public green spaces. Therefore, residential gardens (private gardens) will need to play a major role in contributing to urban green space in future though presently little attention is given to their relative value and importance. Several factors influence the function of residential gardens in an urban area. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the socio demographic factors that influence the size and presence of residential green spaces in an urban residential zone. As a case study, this research selected a primary residential zone in Galle City, Sri Lanka. Every housing unit (n=280) in a residential zone was surveyed to collect the data for multiple regression analysis. The analysis showed that factors such as land extent (LE), nature orientation (NO), perceptions about advantages of growing residential greenery (PA), perception about disadvantages resulting from residential garden (PDA), occupational status (husband and wife are not occupied) (D1), and their educational level (higher than degree) (D2) significantly affect to the extent of green area maintained by an urban residence. The relationship between extent of residential green space (EGA) and socio demographic factors can be explained by this model: EGA = 0.091 + 0.003LE + 0.060NO + 0.030PA – 0.040PDA + 0.198D1 + 0.240D2.
Highlights
In the year 1990, less than 40% of the global population lived in cities, but as of 2010, more than onehalf of all people were living in an urban area
The analysis showed that factors such as land extent (LE), nature orientation (NO), perceptions about advantages of growing residential greenery (PA), perception about disadvantages resulting from residential garden (PDA), occupational status (D1), and their educational level (D2) significantly affect to the extent of green area maintained by an urban residence
Mean Extent of the green area maintained by the Nature Oriented People is 33.5% and Mean Extent of the green area maintain by the non-Nature Oriented People is 16.6%
Summary
In the year 1990, less than 40% of the global population lived in cities, but as of 2010, more than onehalf of all people were living in an urban area. Urbanization has brought the convenience of city life to many people but has subjected them to a harsher environment. Urban environmental problems such as air pollution, noise, and urban ‘heat island’ effect pose serious risks to the health of urban residents (Douglas, 2012). With the increased concern on climate changes, urban greening has gained new importance by serving as a low-cost approach for cities to mitigate and adapt to these changes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
