Landscape component combinations preferred by young people for urban recreation areas

Abstract

This study aims to reveal the impact of landscape components and their interrelationships in the organization process of spaces to be created in urban recreational areas for university students. For this purpose, a survey method was applied to 1002 undergraduate students selected using stratified sampling. The data obtained from the students who voluntarily participated in the survey were evaluated using statistical analyses performed in SPSS 22.0 program. As a result of the analyses, the preferences of university students regarding the combinations of landscape components in urban recreation areas were revealed in parallel with their leisure time awareness and recreational preferences. Accordingly, among the abiotic components, the following characteristics were primarily preferred: flat and wide topography, vegetated topography, dynamic, wide and shallow hydrology, natural hydrology content, sunny, low rainfall, dry and mild climate. Among the biotic components, evergreen, soft-textured plants and trees exhibiting spring coloration, with spreading, rounded, and drooping forms, as well as animals living in these trees, were prioritized. Among the cultural components, areas with accessibility via pedestrian, bicycle, and bus routes, wide, safe, well-designed roads with long and permeable surfaces, safe accessibility, within walking distance, easily accessible to everyone, and conveniently located were preferred. For man-made elements, aesthetics, quality of life, and harmony with nature were prioritized. Ultimately, based on these findings, scenarios were developed for planning urban recreation areas in accordance with their landscape components.