Problem Statement

The data sources and supporting documentation to identify problems were gathered within observation and interviews. The list of problems needed to be narrowed down based on their significance for residents and users of the study area. Participatory methods were not possible due to the Covid-19 situation. So, the online questionnaire was designed in order to analyse users’ opinions. The questionnaire attendees were asked to rank the issues and add to the list of issues based on the problems they have experienced in the neighborhood.

The issues extracted from the gathered data mainly involve feeling unsafe, inequality, place identity, and problems caused by vendors and educational institutes which are categorized into social and physical issues. Social issues

Social issues might have their roots in physical, economical, and other sorts of problems. But they mainly involve problems society or individuals are facing that affect people’s behavior within the society.

Place identity

Although some of the residents explained that they are not bothered by the history of the neighborhood, most of them stated in the questionnaire that they are not proud of their neighborhood history.

Within the interviews residents mentioned that people avoid using the new name of the neighborhood, despite the fact that the municipality has changed the new name on urban wayfinding signages and maps, and there is no prison in the city since eight years ago.

Safety and inequality

Female users are far less than male users of the park, specifically during night. (based on the observations nearly 3/4 of the population using the space are male). As it was stated by women in interviews they do not feel safe at night which indicates the importance of Gender equity.

Inadequate street lighting, and urban furniture leaves the west side of the green space almost useless most of the time. Moreover, darkness adds up to feeling unsafe.

Unsafe large vacant land that causes people to feel unsafe and leaves the adjoining streets almost always empty. People prefer to use the other side of the street to avoid walking along the walls of vacant block.

Figure 47: Identifying social issues (source: Author)

Physical issues

Issues caused by vendors:

• Vendors are blocking car traffic on Wednesdays market.

• They leave the street with vegetable leftovers after the event.

Some residents complain about noise pollution and traffic congestion within rush hours caused by schools.

Lack of a public transportation system causes difficulty for residents and other users to access this area, since there is only one taxi station in the neighborhood.

Figure 48: Identifying physical issues (source: Author)