Apart from economic values of urban spaces measured using CV and HP, there are other social and ecological benefits offered by urban open spaces. I want to understand whether urban residents perceive these non-market values and how? Which theories can help me to answer these questions?
The phenomenological approach and Gestalt Theory can be used for empirical research to evaluate semantic values of residents for different urban issues.
To understand "whether urban residents perceive these non-market values and how", you have to decide to what degree you want answers from those living and to what degree from those in the past. The latter would lead you to study the history of struggles over urban open spaces, over enclosure and resistance to it, over the regulation of parks, etc. The former would lead you to contemporary sources on similar struggles, OR to empirical research, e.g., going out and asking people in those spaces what they value.
Besides historical accounts, another source of understanding is literature, written by those whose words have expressed how they feel. Although concerned with rural rather than urban open spaces, I'm thinking of the poetry of Englishman John Clare, e.g., "The Mores". What counterparts are there for "urban" spaces? Perhaps, the Spanish writer Federico Garcia Lorca's poems of New York. Or that of the Beat poets of the 1950s and 1960s. And what of India? What literature sings the values of open urban spaces in your country's cities (or of the countryside for that matter)?
How "theory" might help answer your question isn't obvious. What do you imagine the relationship might be between "theories", usually conjured up by intellectuals, and actual attitudes by "urban residents"?
thanks Harry for giving a different perspective. yes, I am looking at contemporary spaces. I feel theoretical framework is important rather than just getting empirical data.
I think you can use the theory of 'community mapping'. I find it very useful and you can get feedback from different users from different background. I tried also the concept of mental maps. I used it with the school pupils to get their impressions and ideas in terms of usability, walkability, ......of the surrounding urban areas.
The phenomenological approach and Gestalt Theory can be used for empirical research to evaluate semantic values of residents for different urban issues.
Thanks Akram J. Al-Akkam , can you
elaborate a little on semantic values?
You could look at theories underpinning 'place attachment' and the work of Tuan in 'love of place' and topophilia.
I think you need to consider revisitng what you mean by 'value' as this is wide ranging and are you also considering use and activity as a benchmark for this? Good luck
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