User priorities for inclusive urban park design in a developing country: A case study of Lahore, Pakistan
Farrukh Baig
Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia – farrukh.baig@kfupm.edu.sa
Faiza Ashfaq
Department of City and Regional Planning, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54900, Pakistan – faizaashfaq2022@gmail.com
Noman Sahito
Department of Architecture and City Design, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia – noman.sahito@kfupm.edu.sa
Muhammad Aamir Basheer
Department of Architecture and City Design, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. Interdisciplinary Research Center for Smart Mobility and Logistics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia – m.basheer@kfupm.edu.sa
Muhammad Luqman *
Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia * corresponding author – muhammad.luqman@kfupm.edu.sa
Fariha Tariq
Department of City and Regional Planning, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54900, Pakistan – fariha.tariq@umt.edu.pk
Keywords: Inclusive Design, Urban Parks, User Priorities, Developing Countries, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Abstract: Urban parks are crucial for supporting physical health, mental well-being, and social interactions. However, in many developing countries, these benefits are limited by the absence of inclusive design features that enable all groups to participate equally. We examined user priorities for inclusive park design in Lahore, Pakistan, which is a megacity experiencing rapid urbanization and limited access to green spaces. A questionnaire survey was administered and yielded 455 valid responses. The data were analyzed using a weighted index scoring method. The findings highlight that users prioritize basic inclusive features such as clear signage, barrier-free pathways, accessible sanitation facilities, and shaded seating over advanced technological elements such as auto-sensing lights or emergency rescue systems. These results underline the need to focus on design elements that directly enhance accessibility, comfort, and usability for women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. Based on valid responses collected from urban public parks in Lahore, this study recommends user-centered and practical interventions to strengthen inclusivity in park planning in Lahore and other cities in the Global South. These findings contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being, Goal 10 on reduced inequality, and Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities.
Abstract (in Italian)
Abstract: I parchi urbani sono fondamentali per promuovere la salute fisica, il benessere mentale e le interazioni sociali. Tuttavia, in molti paesi in via di sviluppo, tali benefici risultano limitati dall’assenza di caratteristiche progettuali inclusive che consentano a tutti i gruppi di partecipare in modo equo. Abbiamo esaminato le priorità degli utenti per una progettazione inclusiva dei parchi a Lahore, in Pakistan, una megalopoli caratterizzata da una rapida urbanizzazione e da un accesso limitato agli spazi verdi. È stato somministrato un questionario che ha prodotto 455 risposte valide. I dati sono stati analizzati mediante un metodo di punteggio basato su indice ponderato. I risultati evidenziano che gli utenti attribuiscono priorità a caratteristiche inclusive di base, come segnaletica chiara, percorsi privi di barriere, servizi igienici accessibili e sedute ombreggiate, rispetto a elementi tecnologici avanzati come illuminazione con sensori automatici o sistemi di soccorso di emergenza. Tali risultati sottolineano la necessità di concentrarsi su elementi progettuali che migliorino direttamente accessibilità, comfort e fruibilità per donne, anziani e persone con disabilità. Sulla base delle risposte valide raccolte nei parchi pubblici urbani di Lahore, lo studio raccomanda interventi pratici e centrati sull’utente per rafforzare l’inclusività nella pianificazione dei parchi a Lahore e in altre città del Sud globale. I risultati contribuiscono all’Obiettivo di Sviluppo Sostenibile 3 relativo a salute e benessere, all’Obiettivo 10 sulla riduzione delle disuguaglianze e all’Obiettivo 11 su città e comunità sostenibili.