Feminist Streetscapes: A Study on Perceptions of Streetscapes in Eugene, Oregon

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Date

2021-06-13

Authors

Smaldone, Lexi

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Abstract

In the United States, women often perceive traveling to be an inconvenient and uncomfortable experience. This experience is the result of the disproportionate role men have historically played in transportation system design. By not considering the travel needs and preferences of women, systems were designed that neglected the everyday transportation habits of half the population. This issue has broad implications because our streets make up most of our urban public space, yet their convenience to all users is often not considered when being designed (Toomey 2012). The primary objective of this research was to determine whether and how perceptions of streetscapes vary by gender, age, or familiarity with place. This project also aimed to identify typologies of positive and negative street design elements that contribute to pedestrian level of comfort. A literature review, visual preference survey, and precedent studies were used to complete this research. The findings from these methods guided typology generation, and the findings from the typology generation informed three design solutions. An online visual preference survey with 408 participants found that there is no substantial difference in perception by gender or familiarity of place, yet perception varies slightly by age cohort. Women can be considered a keystone species. If women perceive the streetscape just as positively as men do, then that streetscape is well-designed for all and is accessible for vulnerable populations. In addition, regardless of gender, age, or familiarity, most respondents positively perceived streets with well-defined, protected walkways. Future research will be needed to further examine if other variables such as race, noise, or time of day affect perceptions of streetscapes. iii

Description

72 pages. Committee chair: Roxi Thoren

Keywords

Streetscape, Street, Design, Comfort, Perception, Women, Feminist, Landscape, Typology, Eugene, Oregon

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