The relationship between the quality of active frontages and public perceptions of public spaces

Emma Heffernan & Troy Heffernan & Wei Pan, "The relationship between the quality of active frontages and public perceptions of public spaces," Urban Design International 19 (2014): 1

Abstract (comprehensive): Active frontages are often advocated in best practice guidance and by local planning authorities.  However, little research has been carried out to establish what benefits, if any, active frontages  offer. Previous research in this area has been limited to examining observed behaviour rather  than analysing public perceptions. This article aims to improve the understanding of the  relationship between the quality of an active frontage and public perceptions of the public space  the frontage addresses. The research was carried out through a combination of a critical  literature review and a questionnaire survey that engaged 152 participants. The participants'  perceptions of a range of public spaces in relation to a number of frontages were investigated  using comparison and correlation. The results suggest that the quality of an active frontage can  significantly affect people's perceptions of a public space in terms of its safety, comfort,  sociability and liveliness. Good-quality active frontages can contribute to creating successful  public spaces, which can help deliver far-reaching benefits for towns and cities. The findings contribute useful evidence to enhance our understanding of the role of active frontages in urban  design and planning.  

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