Journal of the Korean Housing Association ISSN:2234-3571(Print) 2234-2257(Online) 한국주거학회논문집

The purpose of this study was to analyze the usage characteristics and the role of spatial and social psychology of open spaces in urban neighborhoods. The survey for this study was conducted on 318 residents in Gyungsan. For analysis, the frequencies and means were calculated, the chi-square test, t-test, and analysis of variance were performed. Survey results revealed that, first, not only the preferred open space type but also the usage characteristics by gender were different. The tendency for males was to visit open spaces to exercise and to stay for longer than one hour. However, the females visited open spaces to care for their children and meet friends or neighbors. They also visited more often than males but stayed for a shorter time. Second, females tended to consider the open space as a place for rest and leisure. Females valued the social psychology aspects of the open space function. Third, regarding the spacial role of open space in urban neighborhoods, study participants believed that the waterside parks improve the quality of life, but were concerned for the safety of children. Considering the social psychology role of open spaces, study participants regarded the waterside parks as improving emotional health. Particularly, they believed the waterside parks played a greater role in daily life as a place for meeting, resting, and leisure than other open space types such as playground, children’s parks, and sport parks.