User perceptions towards street characteristics and qualities that contribute to user friendly streets

Abstract

Streets are one of the vital components of an urban form that support public and private activities of the city dwellers. Streets are most public of all city spaces and been utilizes by all the users. Therefore the street characteristics and qualities must fulfil the need of all the users. This paper presents findings from a user’s survey which sought user perceptions towards various street characteristics and qualities in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman Kuala Lumpur Malaysia that contribute to user friendly street. Such characteristics and qualities included physical, functional and socio cultural. User perceptions information was obtained through a survey of daily users (those who are constantly engage with the street) and occasional users (those who are not dependent on the study are such as shoppers and visitors). It is expected that the findings from this study will help designers, urban planners and policy makers understand the needs and attitudes of users towards user friendly street in Malaysia.