Investigating the Quality of Meaning of Urban Public Places in the Perceptions of Yazd’s Citizens

The Meaning quality of urban public places is a matter of concern. Various indices shape the quality of the meaning of urban public places. Some indices have greater roles in relation to perceptions of quality, and some of these play lesser. Finding these indices could help planners and designers improve the quality of meaning from the perspective of citizens. The main question of this paper is: What are the main indices of meaning quality of urban public places in the perceptions of citizens of Yazd (Iran)? an‎d what are their priorities? To answer this question, this paper deployed the survey analysis method, with 376 participants to answer questioners. The process of the survey started with a literature review to determine meaning quality indices and SPSS was used to analysis data: T-test for evaluating best indices, and Friedman’s test for rating them. The results indicate that among the 22 indicators, three (Efficiency, Walkability, and Environment for all) have the greatest effect on perceptions of meaning quality. The conclusion is as follows: The quality of urban public places can be easily enhanced by relying on these three indices. an‎d if a place like Amir Chakhmaq or Besat Square does have a rich culture, according to past values or historical backgrounds, and these are more effective for understanding the quality of their meaning, then those are the three top indices. So, in the process of obtaining perceptions of quality, some indices are more general that could have greater priority, and the priority of some others are defined on the basis of the special characters of that place (such as cultural and historical backgrounds). Those indices—which refer to form and physical aspects—are important for all citizens. an‎d when places have cultural and historical aspects, the priorities change. This means that quality judgment has certain levels. Some levels are shaped by form and physical indices, which are general for all places, and some of these are not general and vary from one place to another.