A multisensory approach to measure public space quality in the city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The measurement of the quality of public space is important in spatial planning as a first step towards improved urban quality. It would seem as if city builders sometimes use their subjective judgements of place quality through incomprehensive sensory tools and not the users’ sensory experience and aspirations. Based on the multisensory experiences and aspirations of users as they interact with the streetscapes and public parks in Bulawayo, the purpose of this article was to develop and test the utility of a new public space quality measuring tool. A public space quality assessment was undertaken that employed a quantitative design where 400 participants were recruited through systematic sampling and data collected by means of a multisensory public space quality measurement tool. The tool and the ‘Sensory Public Space Quality Framework’ were developed to guide city planners in providing for people-centred public spaces clothed with good sensory qualities.