Abstract:

As a result of centuries-long process of urban growth and development all around the world, we are now living in an “urban planet”. The urbanization has accelerated in the last couple of decades. Now more than half of world population lives in cities and two-third of the world population will be in urban areas in 2025 according to UN population division report (2008). Therefore, urban areas are getting more important than ever because of the fact that there are where economy (investment), population (human power), service (employment), transportation (logistic), social problems, cultural contradictions and spatial conflicts are. Besides all these social, political, economic, cultural and environmental features and problems of urban places, liveability is another important rising concept in urban researches. Since people’s understanding about a liveable urban area is highly depends on their socio-economic and cultural features, historical backgrounds and traditions, socio-political conditions and personal preferences, liveability measurement and evaluation is difficult and subjective. This research attempts to explore liveability perceptions and understanding based on gender. Accessibility of public places, availability of green spaces and environmental quality are defined as indicators of this study. 1029 surveys were conducted with residents of the study area by phone, online and street survey techniques. People were asked about current conditions of their city and neighbourhood related to study indicators. Responses of male and female contributors were analysed comparatively.

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