COMMUNITY PERCEPTION OF URBAN OPEN SPACES AND QUALITY OF LIFE: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED URBAN PARKS IN TWIN CITIES OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Visitor’s perception affects user patterns and can help in the design and management of the open spaces in urban areas. The perceived quality of parks can influence a resident’s perception of their overall well-being. The satisfaction level of the urban dwellers with their surroundings is one of the indicators of quality of life. The aim of this research was to analyzed the perception of visitors with different social profiles towards the urban open spaces (UOS) and its impact on of their own quality of life (QOL). For this purpose, two urban parks, Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad and Ayub Park, Rawalpindi were selected. In order to understand the visitor’s perception about these parks and how it contributes to their quality of life, these urban parks were documented with neighborhood features such as transport linkages, physical and social activities of visitors. Common perceptions and positive contribution were found to the urban quality of life of the resident. Benefits which are directly associated to individuals and their families were found to be of prime importance, such as enhancement of health, promotion of social and physical development of children, and reduction of stress.