Enhancing social interaction through urban open spaces design: A study of Quality, Quantity, and Accessibility in Duhok City

Abstract

This study examines the impact of urban open spaces on social interactions in Duhok City, emphasizing the aspects of quality, quantity, and accessibility. The research employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating field visits to four principal parks—Azadi Park, Barzani Park, Tahseen Taha Park, and Dilshad M. Saeed Park—alongside quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews conducted in 41 neighborhoods of Duhok City. Data indicates that well-maintained, accessible, and fairly distributed open spaces significantly improve relationships and cultivate a sense of community. Still, their potential is limited by factors like as inadequate maintenance, inequitable distribution, restricted accessibility, and insufficient public transportation, which notably affects vulnerable people, including the disabled and elderly. The paper provides empirically-supported recommendations for politicians and urban planners to tackle these difficulties, such as improving maintenance standards, enhancing accessible infrastructure, and guaranteeing equitable allocation of open spaces. The objective of these actions is to promote inclusive, socially dynamic urban spaces, hence enhancing sustainable urban development and encouraging social interaction in Duhok City.