Functionality Importance and Expectation Analysis for the Planning Direction Establishment of Community Gardens

Functionality Importance and Expectation Analysis for the Planning Direction Establishment of Community Gardens

This study aimed to investigate the perception of community gardens by urban citizens, who are the potential end-users and to establish baseline data to be used in the planning of community gardens. The study was conducted by surveying 200 people living in metropolitan area and 140 people living in non-metropolitan area from October 7 to October 10, 2016. The surveyed urban residents agree that community gardens are necessary, although there is a slight difference in their perception depending on the type of housing and residential area. More specifically, residents who have seen gardens and those that have experience in gardening strongly support for the need of community gardens. Community gardens should primarily satisfy both comfort and aesthetic functions. The surveyed residents focused on the function of the garden to improve personal satisfaction and quality of life. In addition, they expect personal benefits such as physical and psychological health promotion; and public benefits such as increased amenity and community vitalization from the creation of community gardens. Residents were strongly willing to participate in the planning, construction and management of community gardens. Therefore, community gardens should be designed to improve the living environments, prevent crime, provide leisurely space, promote physical and mental health, and provide visual pleasure. These will effectively improve the quality of life of urban residents and contribute to the revitalization of the community.