Public Health - Urban Landscaping Relationship and User's Perceptions

Abstract

This paper focuses on landscape features which make it possible for people to be healthy physically and psychologically and connected socially. The research is based upon a questionnaire, observation and related literature. The questionnaire design consists of questions which would identify people preferred choice of the outside places (to overcome stress, bring peace of mind and relaxation). It also questions what is the people opinion and expectations about the design elements which are placed in the outside places. For this reason, this questionnaire was given to different social groups (age, gender etc.) in Ankara, Turkey in order that their opinion and expectations about the design features of landscape places (especially parks, streets, open space, shopping centers) where they voluntarily spent their time in their daily life are distinguished. This work considers generally the urban area design which encourages the physical activities in urban life as well as its preventing elements. It considers which elements support the individual, psychological health, which elements are a powerfully support for social connection, and result in positive effects on urban life.