Factor Analysis of Spatial Design Attributes Influencing Users’ Affective Attitudes in Nairobi’s Neighborhood Parks

Abstract

Neighbourhood parks play a vital role in fostering vibrant and sustainable communities, promoting healthy lifestyles and social interactions among residents. However, the underlying factors influencing user attitudes towards neighbourhood parks in Nairobi City have not been identified. These latent factors serve as attractions that draw city residents into the parks, engaging with them continually to meet their recreational and social needs. This paper aims to identify the key factors that affect the affective component of attitudes formed after visual exposure to the attitude object, the neighbourhood park. It adopts a quantitative approach to data collection by surveying eight residential neighbourhood parks. A total of 416 park users were interviewed between July and August 2024, during which they rated thirty attitude statements on a seven-point Likert scale. To ensure diversity among park users, interviews were conducted at each park three times a day on one weekday and one weekend day. Exploratory Factor Analysis of the attitudinal statements revealed five underlying factors—complexity, richness, comfort, coherence, and legibility—that influence user attitudes towards neighbourhood parks. The paper recommends conducting a user needs assessment before park design to identify spatial attributes that encourage positive affective attitudes. Additionally, it suggests providing a range of park amenities and allocating a budget for park maintenance in park management plans.