The Effect of Structural Characteristics of Design on Social Use and Interaction in Public Spaces -The Case of the Theater Square in Algeria

Saber  Benaicha; Djamel  Alkama; Wael  Walid Al-Azhari

doi:10.35516/hum.v50i1.4390

Authors

Saber Benaicha Urban project Laboratory, City, and Territory, Ferhat Abbas University Setif1, Algeria
Djamel Alkama University 8 May 1945 Guelma, Algeria
Wael Walid Al-Azhari The University of Jordan Amman, Jordan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/hum.v50i1.4390

Keywords:

Structural characteristics, design, use, social interaction, public spaces, public square

Abstract

This paper addressed the issue of the impact of structural characteristics such as accessibility and visibility on social use and interaction in public spaces and public squares, for the contribution of this type of behavioral and environmental research in understanding the social interaction between the user and the space to ensure the effectiveness of designs that are based on social understanding and a permanent response to the needs of users. Where the study aims to lay the foundations and principles for public Squares in Algeria. The methodology is based on analyzing the theater square in Batna-Algeria through the theory of space syntax, and conducting a monitoring and monitoring process to compare the space organization plans resulting from the Depthmap program and the Post Occupancy Evaluations resulting from the tracking of users. The results showed that: accessibility and visibility are key elements in the proposal to design this square. Human behavior in public spaces depends greatly on the structural characteristics resulting from the formation of the environment, as the results show that the use of the square depends greatly on the possibility of visual access through the connectivity and integration of the spaces of the square with its neighboring areas, and the results indicated that there is a strong correlation. The structural characteristics of the design and the user's behavior, and that, it is the reason for choosing the spaces to carry out specific humanitarian activities and practices.

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