Determination of User Preferences on Visual Landscape at Urban Context: Van/Edremit (Turkey) Example

Abstract

In measuring the space quality, user preferences regarding the space are one of the important indicators. With the increasing urbanization phenomenon in Edremit district which has important cultural and natural assets in terms of greenness, the distinction between old and new settlements has become more visible. This study aims to determine the factors which increase preference in urban landscapes, user preferences and attitudes towards space, and to make suggestions for the improvement of urban landscapes. The main method of the study based on visual evaluation techniques is the visual questionnaire technique, which is applied with visuals and helps to determine the user's perception of the space. As a result of the study, it was revealed that places with coherence which is among the information processing variables, were liked more by the users. Natural designs seem complex, according to the conclusion that coherence increases with the signs of human existence, it has been revealed that in order to increase the coherence in the field with planting design, balance should be achieved, but naturalness should be avoided. According to the result for sustainable development, the hypothesis of urban designs supported by the green texture is more admirable, and is a confirmed improvement of urban landscapes.