Use of Urban Public Spaces in Quito in the Post-Pandemic Context: Spatial Quality, User Perception, and Urban Design
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18779/ingenio.v9i2.1298Keywords:
urban livability, place appropriation, social cohesion, citizen satisfaction, urban resilience, spatial planningAbstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant shift in the relationship between society and public space, highlighting its importance as key infrastructure for quality of life in cities. In Quito, a city distinguished by its diverse territorial structure, these transformations manifested differently depending on socio-spatial conditions. This research examines the use of public spaces in the post-pandemic scenario through three aspects: citizen perception, urban design, and spatial quality. A mixed-method, non-experimental, and descriptive study was conducted. The research took place in six representative public spaces across different urban sectors of Quito. Surveys were administered to users over 18 years of age, selected through non-probability convenience sampling, along with semi-structured interviews and systematic direct observation. Changes in frequency of use were detected, increasing from 28% to 46%, with a predominance of recreational activities (32%) and physical exercise (27%), as well as positive assessments of cleanliness, lighting, and safety. Furthermore, users gave high marks to urban amenities (mean = 4.6), variables that determine how space is appropriate. The findings show that usage has intensified, that there is increased sensitivity to quality and safety standards, and that there is a direct connection between urban design and social behavior. It can be inferred that public space has gained renewed centrality in current urban planning, demanding more inclusive, resilient, and user-centered perspectives.
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