Evaluating the effects of context in the use of two downtown Tucson urban plazas using qualitative and quantitative approaches

Abstract

Urban plazas, together with streets, and parks, constitute the remaining public realm of our cities. Their function, as facilitators of social interaction, is most evident in areas where urban structure still prevails in relation to pedestrian use. Since pedestrians represent the majority of potential users, use of these spaces is intimately related to surrounding population and activities, and may be affected by how the immediate context is configured. This study examined two urban plazas in downtown Tucson, with their context, to develop methods of analysis and evaluation of potential effects of contextual elements in their use. Overall, this study found that combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches was useful in the generation of data, as well as analytical tools. Although this study's results are limited to the spaces analyzed, potential relationships are suggested between aspects of plaza use and specific elements of the human and physical context.