Assessing Visual Quality of Landscape on Roadside Greenery in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia

Abstract

Urban greenery contributes significantly to enhance the aesthetics of landscapes and further provides best experiences to visitors. Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia's major cities, is a well-known destination for tourism, education and culture. The purpose of this research therefore was to assess the visual quality of landscape (VQL) of roadside greenery in Yogyakarta City. For that, 30 sample units were selected by using proportional random sampling method. A questionnaire containing questions about respondent's sociodemographic characteristic and perception on the selected criteria of VQL of the roadside greenery was utilized. The selected respondents were the residents of neighbourhood area around the sample units. The value of the VQL was obtained from 200 respondents' perception after they has finished to observe 30 photographs of sample units showed to them. The collected data then were analysed by using modified scenic beauty estimation (SBE) method. SBE values were assessed by five criteria comprising complexity, interference to coherence, stewardship, naturalness, and beauty impression of roadside greenery. The three categories of road in Yogyakarta City, namely secondary arterial road (SAR), secondary collector road (SKYSCRAPER/CITY), and local street (Ulrich, Simons et al.) were being classified into three clusters of high, medium and low by using dendrogram analysis method. The research results showed that 30 sample units of roadside greenery confirmed 11 roads in high, 9 roads in medium and 10 roads in low clusters. Because of SBE values various of the five criteria used in the assessment, the VQL of the three roadside greenery should be rearranged and improved. These research results, therefore, would make some contributions to the planner and manager of the Yogyakarta City.

How Highway Landscape Visual Qualities Are Being Studied: A Systematic Literature Review

“…The experience is different, however, as the leisurely pace of rural roads allows for a more relaxed appreciation of the scenery. In contrast, urban highways pass through transition zones that are distinct from the bustling commercial, residential, and green spaces of urban streets [32][33][34][35][36].…”

“…For instance, studies focusing on highway landscapes have primarily assessed the visual quality experience and preferences of the public [5,8,9,24] or highway users [3], emphasizing the recognition of the importance of their perceptions. Similarly, studies involving pedestrians [32] or residents [36] have further aimed to evaluate the aesthetic aspects of specific streets or roads in urban settings. Notably, a study on urban roads has investigated how the presence of poplar trees enhances the aesthetics of urban road landscapes, as perceived by 35 university faculty members [33].…”

“…Pedestrians, residents Assessing the visual quality of specific streets or roads. [32,36] Academic staff Understanding how poplar plantings affect people's visual preferences and perception of landscape quality. [33] Experts and the general public Exploring new methods for people's perceptions of the urban road landscape.…”

“…In summary, highway landscape preferences are influenced by natural and psychological factors, personal experiences, and practical considerations. Various factors, including diversity, continuity, management level, natural feeling, and aesthetics of roadside greening, influence the visual quality of roadside landscapes [36]. With proper management and maintenance, it is possible to create highway landscapes to meet the aesthetic needs of different viewers and enhance the overall experience of road travel.…”