Title: Perceptions of ethnic residents' satisfaction: a quest towards the sustainable development of public space in Nigeria

Authors: Oluwagbemiga Paul Agboola; Solomon Oluyinka

Addresses: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Osun state College of Technology, P.M.B. 1011, Esa-oke, Osun State, Nigeria ' Department of College Business, Administration and Accountancy, Baliuag University, Bulacan, Philippines

Abstract: Challenges ranging from physical, economic, social and environmental have been associated with the use of public space in recent time. This study explores the quality of public space such as market square in the rural neighbourhood at South-west, Nigeria from the users' perception. The study's findings revealed that respondents' satisfaction level of public space's comfortability, maintenance and amenities received unsatisfactory appraisals. On the other hand, appraisal of public space's barrier was satisfactory which indicates that the user's needs and expectations were met in this regard. This study inferred that public spaces within the built environment in Nigeria needed to be improved upon in order to enhance the quality of the environment as well as residents' quality of life. Collaborative efforts are recommended between all the stakeholders in the built environment towards integrating public space policy as an integral part of a sustainable and healthy environment in Nigeria.

Keywords: neighbourhood public space; market square; satisfaction; rural; Nigeria.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2019.098050

International Journal of Happiness and Development, 2019 Vol.5 No.1, pp.66 - 82

Accepted: 12 Oct 2018
Published online: 28 Feb 2019 *

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