Evaluation of Public Spaces Using Environmental Simulation and Virtual Scenes

Seeking to investigate the environmental variables that most influenced people's perceptions of urban public space, this study evaluates the effects of four variables through virtual urban scenarios and statistical analysis. The variables investigated were a) building setback, b) building usage and facade treatment, c) visual permeability of the barrier and, d) conservation of the façade. Nine different scenarios were presented to 42 students of architecture and urbanism, and four professionals that evaluated each of them through semantic differential questionnaires. The data was analyzed using a Friedman test and showed and effect for all four variables. Facade conservation was the variable that had an effect on the largest number of attributes studied, followed by building setback. Type of use and visual permeability affected fewer attributes. The results of the study can be useful to guide the planning and design of public spaces that are more attractive and satisfying for users, in addition to promoting related research.