IMPACT OF NEIGHOURHOOD PUBLIC SPACES ON CITY IMAGE IN AKURE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Cities all over the world are facing diverse physical spatial challenges which affect the image of the city. Public spaces in the neighbourhood are to shape the physical image of the city by connecting one part of the city with the other. The assessment of the uses and image of public spaces by users is important in the overall perception of the city image. The image of the city in this study refers to the image of its public spaces. A rapid decline in neighbourhood public spaces, conversion in use and management are some of the major challenges in most developing countries. This research examined the impact of neighbourhood public spaces on city image in Akure, Nigeria. A mixed-method of research approach was used, 384 copies of the questionnaire were administered to users of neighbourhood public spaces in the core, transition and peripheral zones of Akure. Data collection was through survey, interview and design charrette participatory workshop. The questionnaire data were analysed using simple-factor descriptive analysis and Spearman Rank correlation, Kendall tau B and Kruskal Wallis for hypotheses testing. The interview was analysed using content analysis and design charrette using thematic analysis and the architectural redesign of two neighbourhood public spaces in the study area. The study found a significant relationship in the environment of neighbourhood public spaces, their management and city image. It concluded by developing a model for public space management and regulation to improve city image. It recommended integration, inclusiveness in public spaces, a holistic redesign and re-planning of the existing public spaces to improve the image of Akure by adopting the framework proposed in this research.