Identification of Relationship between the Quality and Uses of Public Parks in India

Abstract

The study aims to identify the relationship between the quality and the uses of public parks in India. It has been observed from the literature that the quality of the park is generally evaluated based on some 'factors' that, in turn, define the 'use' of the park. In this study, a mixed-method approach is adopted for evaluating the relationship between the quality of parks and their uses. Statistically, Pearson's Correlation Analysis determines such a relationship. The finding of the study identifies that some of the identified factors are "design factors" of the parks, and the rest are mostly contextual, like extraneous, characteristics of surrounding areas and management factors. The study concludes that the use of park is not only dependent on design factors and their quality but also depends on the quality of the extraneous factors, characteristics of surrounding areas and management policies of the parks. These four factors create an image of the park and generate legibility for its specific use. Park designers and planners must focus on the design factors which give legibility for its specific use, considering the characteristics of the surrounding areas and management policies of the park. They should also understand the users' needs while designing and planning the parks. The study would be helpful for park designers and planners to improve the utility of the park.