A Comparative Evaluation of Utility Value Based on User Preferences for Urban Streets: The Case of Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Currently, there is a lack of objective evaluations clarifying characteristics of urban streets from the users’ perspective, particularly regarding the most effective spatial composition. This study investigated the value of spatial components of urban streets preferred by users through a conjoint analysis based on utility value for six streets representing street types in Seoul and evaluated relative preferences for the main characteristics of urban streets in terms of amenity, placeness, and accessibility. The analysis showed that users consider “amenity” as the most important characteristic of urban streets; “green space composition” was rated highest for utility value. The value exchange relationship of utility related to placeness and amenity within a certain threshold level was also confirmed for each of the three characteristics of urban streets. These results show that prioritizing improvements to amenities and green space promotes urban streets policies and projects, and strengthening placeness-related spatial elements is effective once a certain amenity level is secured. This study contributes to the discussion how to minimize differences in planning and user experience for urban streets by objectifying the relationship between user preferences and characteristics of urban streets through utility value.