Study of Characteristics of Urban Public Open Spaces based on Social Interaction (Case study: Salavatabad’s 3-kilometer Route)

Abstract

Urban public open spaces find their meaning with humans’ presence and activities, and more than physical role, they are important for creating social interactions among citizens. Public spaces of a city are affected by social- economic changes of their time with different appearances in the city. Space, identification of usages and advantages of these spaces are considered the first steps towards planning for such spaces. In this research, documentary method is first used to consider definitions and implications of urban open spaces and physical characteristics, activities and usages of such spaces, then following identifying people’s needs and expectations of these spaces, criteria and indices affecting public open spaces’ attraction from point of view of urban developers are taken into account. This study was carried out based on a descriptive- periodical survey. Results of this study indicate that though some superficial imitations and improper interventions have taken place  in Sanandaj’s public spaces leading to their severe fall of quality, given physical skeleton features and cultural, social and economic attributes of this city, we can add to its public  acceptability and improve social relationships in urban public spaces such as routes and roads to be able to modify and create attractive public open spaces to facilitate individuals relationships in them finally leading to more liveliness in urban life.