Constructing an Analytical-based Model for User Satisfaction towards Under Bridge Spaces within the Egyptian Urban Fabric

Abstract

A successful Public space has been addressed mainly by functional performance, accessibility, comfort, safety, pleasure, and meaning; the five physical attributes constructing the public space index, which was associated with vitality and user satisfaction. Under-bridge public spaces, although they are a booming essential topic in the shadow of the massive bridge construction inserted in the Egyptian urban fabric, they are not well investigated concerning user satisfaction nor the new developed physical setting. Only limited literature highlighted that the "Accessibility" attribute should be considered. Considering under-bridge spaces as a case-specific public space with potential, yet not reflecting the general norms of public space, this paper aims to study user satisfaction towards such spaces. Firstly, a theory-based model has been developed for user satisfaction towards public spaces, exploring the significance of the above mentioned physical attributes. Secondly, adopting a case-study approach, the physical attributes of the theory-based model have been assessed in Heliopolis, a district that recently received a massive under-bridge construction in Egypt, where those attributes have been measured quantitatively (using GIS) and qualitatively (using the developed Public space index and adopting a structural equation model using SPSS & Smart SPLS); to ultimately construct an analytical-based model for assessing the significance of the physical attributes responsible for the user satisfaction of such specific spaces. Results show the misfit between the theory-based model and the induced "analytical-based model of under-bridge spaces", where "Accessibility" and "Functionality" attributes were relatively insignificant, while the most related attribute to under-bridge user satisfaction was "Safety," followed by "Comfort"; then "Pleasure" and "Meaning," a key factor to be considered while developing under-bridges public spaces.