Residential environmental satisfaction, of ancient and modern neighbourhoods in slemani city, Kurdistan, Iraq

Abstract

The concern for the quality of life in urban centres has led to an increasing interest among policymakers and planners on how to measure those variables that influence the perceived neighbourhood satisfaction amongst residents. This study examines the residential environmental satisfaction, of old (Malkendi) and new (Bakhtiari nwe) neighbourhood in Slemani city, Kurdistan-Iraq. A household survey 200 respondents were randomly sampled in each of the two neighbourhoods. Descriptive and Inferential statistical techniques (Chi square, t-test and correlation spearman rank) were used in the data analysis. Findings from the study showed that significant difference exists in the level of neighbourhood satisfaction among the two neighbourhoods. Respondents from the new neighbourhood were more satisfied with the physical environment attributes (road network, building design, open space and green space) and social environment than those from the old neighbourhood. It was also found that the demographic characteristics of the respondents significantly influence to their level of perception of neighbourhood satisfaction except for gender. Also, the respondents’ choice of neighbourhood with respect to safety and provision of facilities/services was found to be significantly related to their level of neighbourhood satisfaction. Policy makers and planners should try to revitalize the infrastructures especially road networks, green space and building structures in the old neighbourhood to ensure that residents’ welfare and satisfaction are met. Further research should probe in reasons why there are variations in neighbourhood satisfaction among the demographic sub-groups as this would help planners during planning and designing of neighbourhoods to ensure that the needs of every group in the population is met. Increasing the sample size for the future research to more than two neighborhood will equally give a better representation of the city.