Projects / Programmes
The analysis of behavioural maps and GIS as a relevant tool in urban design to promote planning and design as well as well being and quality of life
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.08.00 |
Social sciences |
Urbanism |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T260 |
Technological sciences |
Physical planning |
GIS, empirical knowledge, environment-behaviour research, urban design, applicability gap, behavioural map
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
20692 |
PhD Barbara Goličnik Marušić |
Urbanism |
Head |
2007 - 2008 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The proposed research is focused on the applicability gab between research and design of open space. It aims for a review of techniques and methods as well as their revision and adaptation in the field of urban planning and design. It assumes that it is crucial for the results of research in urban design to be presented in a way that designers are familiar with. That means in a form of map or a plan. Accordingly, behavioural map is addressed. It is seen as a credible means of scientific research and as a script of results which attracts designers. The proposed research draws on research methods that combine well-established techniques such as environment-behaviour observations and behaviour mapping but combines them with technologies such as GIS to take advantage of emerging ICT. GIS behavioural maps represent an effective communication tool with a wide spectrum of collected or evolved information. The objective of the research is to achieve better and more efficient planning, integration of comprehensive approaches towards sub- and re-urbanisation in terms of sustainable communities, revitalisation of existing built environment and production of attractive public space, and finally as a result to increase quality of living and life in general. From usage-spatial relationship point of view, this research aims for guidance and criteria for evaluation of designed places on the basis of their conduciveness to occupancy with one activity or more of them
Significance for science
Patterns of occupancy seem like x-ray of places. They show hidden and embedded structures of places, features, which are sometimes invisible, but potential. The aspects of spatial-human dimensions elucidate the anatomy of space and therefore make a critical reflection on designed public open spaces. They address usage ability and/or spatial capacity of a place. In surveying quality of life in urban environments such an approach is of high importance as it collects the data in scale 1:1. It represents spatial and non-spatial data on a way which suits designers well. It leads into an empirical knowledge about uses in places, their various requirements concerning size, shape, available void, spatial articulation of the setting etc. and reflects on likely frequency of different types of open places in city fabric for its different users.
Behavioural maps are also useful tools of indirect public participation. Direct public participation, either by interviews or by workshops is a common approach in modern spatial planning. Despite many advantages of any such a approach, there are also some weaknesses, such as difficulties to attract certain user groups to attend, unavailability of participants because their busy timetable etc. In this respect, behavioural maps represent an indirect public participation, as by observing an area and mapping the records, everyone who passes by or stay for longer in a place is involved. This it is recognised as an additional or supplementary tool for interpretation of users’ needs, expectations and habits in their daily routine.
The integration of results and approaches of environment-behavioural studies into design processes there is an opportunity to close or bridge the gap between theory and practice in the field of urban design. Especially, GIS maps as tools for building and maintenance of the empirical knowledge, but also as tools for provision of criteria and guidance for planning and design and as a medium for monitoring are vital and of key importance when aiming for enhancement of quality of life in cities and urban settings. As behavioural maps can gain several information from age, gender, type of activity one is involved with, even about the image of a person (homeless, for example) and consequently her/his material status, they have a potential to be used in related resources such as social and economic development, comprehensive regeneration and revitalisation of devastated areas as well as in the field of well being.
Significance for the country
Results can contribute as evaluation criteria in assessment of existing as well as planned places. They can contribute in early stages and throughout the process of different planning policies and strategies, in processes of reorganisation as well as regeneration and revitalisation of cities and their parts. The contribution is especially valid in detailed and local level of urban design. From theoretical and IT point of view, the results can provide basis for further development of the approach, especially concerning integration of GIS and GPS.
The approach to spatial planning and its results provide insight information about design and development of urban landscape, develop notion and starting points for discussions about research, planning and design based on IT, and contribute to better understanding of planning issues, and as such carefully and concretely addresses actual issues about environmental quality linked to quality of life. Especially, as behavioural maps can spatially visualise, in line with the representation of location of a person, also any other non-spatial data, such as ethnical group, age, gender, etc., they can pay attention to social and demographic issues or for example stress the role of woman, children or elderly in a place. Being it so, they draw a line for discussion about their place in a society.
However, for Slovenia these results are the most useful in directing processes of sub- and re-urbanisation in terms of providing sustainable local communities, revitalisation of existing built environments or in creating attractive and successful public spaces. Results of this research are then directly and indirectly related to debates of socio-economic development of an area and/or issues about natural and cultural heritage.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
