Feminist Streetscapes: A Study on Perceptions of Streetscapes in Eugene, Oregon
Date
2021-06-13
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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.
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Description
72 pages. Committee chair: Roxi Thoren
Keywords
Streetscape, Street, Design, Comfort, Perception, Women, Feminist, Landscape, Typology, Eugene, Oregon