Understanding Contribution of Physical Accessibility in Perceptual Conviviality of Public Open Spaces using Analytical Hierarchy Process

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine contribution of accessibility in creating conviviality at a public open space. In literature, conviviality is discussed as the subjective quality of public spaces, but its quantification is not adequately discussed. Conviviality means, being happy in the company of others. From different studies, it was found that there are physical aspects of built environment which can influence conviviality. Legibility, network integration and walkability in built environment can increase accessibility which can contribute in conviviality of a public open spaces. The methodology of this work is based on comparison between perceptual conviviality with physical parameters of accessibility in public open spaces. With the help of experts, weights are derived through Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for perceptual conviviality parameters and physical accessibility attributes. Based on this work, it was empirically validated that accessibility plays important role in conviviality at a public open space.