Assessment of Livability in Commercial Streets via Placemaking

Abstract

Livability is one of the key characteristics that urban architects strive to achieve. It is even more important for commercial streets, where functional diversity and the constant movement of people require special consideration. In the capital city of Erbil, Iraq, commercial streets suffer from neglect. However, there is huge potential to create an attractive environment for purposes other than shopping. Some countries have developed standards for the design of commercial streets. The basic requirements are the same, but the details vary according to people’s needs. This research study aimed to identify a comprehensive framework (i.e., a checklist) for placemaking as the basis for measuring livability on a main commercial street in Erbil, Iraq. This framework was considered as a basis for assessment and design simultaneously, helping designers to achieve two main goals: to develop the existing streets and to suggest basic principles for future street design. This study adopted a practical framework, a questionnaire, a field survey, and observations as its research methods. We concluded that placemaking dimensions were essential for activating livability, and a balance between the main dimensions was found. As more strategies were applied, the street livability increased. The results varied according to the research methods, whether quantitative or qualitative. The quantitative findings resulted from the questionnaire and one section of the practical framework. Street width, in terms of quantity, had an impact on containment and safety. The same applied to the sidewalks that had to accommodate the continuous and uninterrupted movements of four or more people. The qualitative findings were from two other sections of the practical framework, in addition to the field survey and observations. It was noted that the local elements on the street were maintained, which had a significant impact on increasing the street’s livability.