Identification of User Needs Priorities for Landscape Design

Abstract

Quality of landscape can be used as an indicator to measure the life levels, contribute to the reduction of pollution, provide a human health positively, and many benefits like aesthetic, psychological, and social. This quality can be achieved when meeting the individuals needs and their requirements. The general list of objectives for all landscape must be determined according to user needs and planning methods. The main purpose is to identify the user needs in landscape design process. The Islamic university of Gaza (IUG) was used as case study. The male and female students` priorities have been identified. The study used a quantitative data. The extensive literature review was done to identify the landscape design elements. A focus group from the university students was conducted to identify the IUG students' needs which used to build the questionnaire. Consulting 6 experts to pre-test the questionnaire. The questionnaire targeted group is IUG students. The data were analyzed for testing statistical validity and reliability using SPSS. The softscape and hardscape elements were identified and the degree of quality implementation in both campuses "male and female". The results confirmed that, the degrees of quality implementation in male campus was more than female. The results of the questionnaire showed that, the male and female students have the same needs in the campus except "festivals and events, external cafeteria, and drinking". The most ten important needs the student required are "cleanliness, praying, feeling safe, feeling comfortable psychic, drinking, spaciousness and breadth, shading, quiet, rest and sitting, and fresh air". Originality: This study will contribute significantly to consider public participation as a way in collecting the VOC customers.