Table 2 Summary of environmental characteristics related to women’s presence in urban public spaces based on theoretical foundations
Environmental priorities | Concept/ Description | References |
|---|---|---|
Security | Safety and security are among the most important qualities of public spaces. Safety refers to rapid protection of the spaces and their users against potential hazards. The ability to observe the activities and functions of semi-public and public spaces creates a sense of comfort in the observer and thus promotes social security of the public space | Sadeghi & Jangjoo (2022) [54]; Arjmand (2016) [3]; Sadeghi, et al. (2016) [53]; Harvey, et al. (2015) [24]; Krenichyn (2004) [33]; Durmisevic & Sariyildiz (2001) [12]; Navarrete-Hernandez et al. (2021) [43]; lak et al. (2020) [35] |
Compatibility with behavioral patterns | Optimal distribution of urban uses and activities encourages people to be present in the space and walk between different places. Comfort includes the equipment and spaces related to sitting and waiting activities and other facilities for users of public spaces | Askarizad & Safari (2020) [4]; Khalili & Nayyeri Fallah (2018) [31]; Van Hagen & Bron (2014) [67] Jin & Whitson (2014) [28]; Matsuoka & Kaplan (2008) [40] |
Eventuality | Citizens deserve experiencing desirable, lively, and dynamic public spaces. Cleanliness of public spaces and their proper maintenance encourages people to be present in the space, which in turn promotes a sense of security and reduces fear | |
Permeability | Permeability includes destination accessibility. Accessibility provides opportunities for citizens to participate in urban activities. If this quality is poor, it will exacerbate socio-economic and health disadvantages | Sadeghi & Jangjoo (2022); Arjmand (2016) [3]; Beebeejaun (2017) [7]; Weber (2003) [69]; Purcell (2003) [48] |
Attention to the climate | Climatic comfort and favorable temperature conditions increase the number of people present in the urban space. Many studies have shown that urban green space has a direct relationship with people’s perception of diversity, unity, beauty, and attractiveness of space; and in addition to balancing the temperature and creating a favorable micro-climate, provides the basis for more presence and staying of people in urban spaces | Sadeghi & Jangjoo (2022) [54]; Williams, et al. (2019) [71]; Schofield & Gubbels (2019) [56]; Amindeldar, et al. (2017) [2]; Thorsson et al. (2007) [66]; Thorsson et al. (2004) [65]; Eliasson (2000) [13] |
Variety | Variety is a vital quality for urban spaces which is achieved through variety of components that provide freedom of choice and variety of users who have access to all parts of the space, which enhances monitoring of urban spaces. Variety includes land use mix or job housing/population balance | Hataminejad, et al. (2020) [25]; Raymond, et al. (2010) [51]; Ewing & Cervero (2010) [14]; Matsuoka & Kaplan (2008) [40] |
Complexity | The amount of visual richness of space is called complexity, which is created through the diversity and number of components existing in the urban space. There is a direct relationship between the complexity and attractiveness components. But the relationship between complexity and desirability is direct before it reaches its peak and then is indirect | Khalili & Nayyeri Fallah (2018) [31]; Maclean (2018) [39]; Ewing & Clemente (2013) [15]; Portella (2007) [47] |
Collective memory | A space that has the potential of recalling several events seems more attractive to the audience | |
Identity | The overall quality of a space can be calculated by measuring the richness of its identity and psychological and sociocultural meanings, as well as the criteria related to physical comfort, safety, and performance. The identity of a space derives from its symbolic meanings, which arise from the memories, ideas, and feelings associated with that space | Golkowska (2017) [20]; Jabareen (2009) [27]; Khan (2007) [32]; Secor (2004) [57]; Williams & Vaske (2003) [70]; Vaske & Kobrin (2001) [70] |
Liberty | Urban space is an all-encompassing space in which the general public is free to perform various social activities | Sunikka-Blank, et al. (2019) [63]; Gholamhosseini, et al. (2019) [19]; Sunaryo, et al. (2013) [62] |