Photograph of a public space in Kabul, taken in 2020.

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Abstract

This qualitative study employs observation, one-on-one semi-structured interviews, and questionnaire data collection methods to focus on land use and its correlation with vitality and gender equality in the public park domain. The study addresses the human–environment dichotomy and seeks to provide findings that can serve as a basis for city planning and foster gender pervasiveness in our recreational milieu. The study is framed in an expanding city and the Muslim context of Afghanistan, which has been at the intersection of fundamentalism and modernity since the mid-20th century. In the capital city of Kabul, 15 out of 65 active public parks were selected based on the criteria of having essential park amenities and variety in surrounding land uses. Vitality measures such as the presence of people in a park, the diversity of activities and available amenities, and the parks' build quality and management attributes were examined and contextualized according to the various land-use zones: residential, commercial, and mixed use. Parks surrounded by residential zones were found to be more vital, foster a higher female presence compared to parks surrounded by other land-use functions, and benefit from the influence of socio-spatial bonds induced by the neighborhood unit due to the presence of people and the park's perceived safety and security. Finally, a thematic proposal that can contribute to future urban planning is presented.ographer option to see result.

Keywords

Land use; Public park; Vitality; Gender equality; Kabul

Full Paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2021.102462

Published by the Habitat International

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Some visuals from the study

Kabul City land-use zoning plan prepared by Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2012. The updated official plan is overlayed by data on the existing situation. Green-colored spots represent the study sites.

Public parks and their surrounding area land use versus gender-based user distribution.

A map of two public spaces in Kabul City illustrating the existence of diverse activities and amenities.