Though several studies have explored the ways in which people perceive the qualities of urban squares, the influence of living environments on such perceptions has received little attention. To fill this gap, this study examined differences in preferences for urban square design elements, particularly, the ratio of the width of a public space to the height of the surrounding buildings (D/H ratio), square size, and façade details, among people with different living environments. Virtual reality simulation techniques were used in controlled experiments with 100 participants of various nationalities, mostly Koreans, and conjoint analysis was applied to determine what combination of design elements most influenced urban square preferences. Participants experienced eight virtual squares designed with different combinations of the three design elements and assessed them based on five indicators of the quality of urban squares. Among the three design elements, the D/H ratio most significantly influenced the perceptions of quality, regardless of participants’ living environments. We conclude that the level of experience in various urban environments may affect people’s familiarity with these environments and their spatial perception and preferences. We thus suggest that socio-cultural differences related to users’ living environments should receive more attention in urban design practice. We also demonstrate that the emerging combination of immersive virtual reality technology and conjoint analysis can function as a useful tool for urban design research.

This study aims to examine the gender gaps in the use of urban space in Seoul, Korea, to provide empirical evidence for urban planning for gender equality. We analyzed daily temporary populations that were estimated using mobile phone data. We used the total, women’s, and men’s temporary populations as well as the subtraction of the temporary population of men from that of women (SMW) as dependent variables. We first conducted a visual analysis on temporary population density using kernel density estimation and then conducted a further analysis using spatial autocorrelation indicators and spatial regression models. The results demonstrate that: (1) Temporary population patterns for women and men showed similarities in that both were larger in business areas than in residential areas, which means that a large number of women were engaged in economic activities like men; (2) the pattern for SMW showed the opposite, that is, women were more active in residential areas and areas where neighborhood retail shops, cultural facilities, parks, and department stores were easily accessible; and (3) both women’s temporary population and SMW had spatial autocorrelation and thus showed clustering patterns that can be helpful in urban planning for gender equality in Korea.

This article explores the application of innovation–diffusion theory to tactical urbanism projects. The objective of the study is to comprehend how innovation–diffusion theory can be utilized to analyze and evaluate these projects and identify the factors contributing to their success. The research was conducted through a collaborative design studio experience, using qualitative methods that largely depended on participatory observations and interviews with key participants. The findings indicate that the Innovation–Diffusion theory can serve as a comprehensive theoretical framework for the analysis and evaluation of tactical urbanism projects. The study also identified factors that contribute to the success of these projects, such as the involvement of opinion leaders, the use of low-cost and temporary interventions, and the flexibility to adapt to on-site variables.

In the planning process, it is crucial to involve every key stakeholder for effective collaborative participation. However, in real-world practice, planners often face difficulties engaging stakeholders who remain passive. The authors argue that the Delphi method, when modified to enhance planners’ roles as a communication channel, can bridge this gap, serving as a tool to facilitate communication with these passive stakeholders and fostering consensus between those who actively voice their opinions and those who do not. Therefore, this study introduces a ‘planner-aided’ policy Delphi method, which is a revised version of existing Delphi methods tailored to better serve these goals. The authors then explore the effectiveness of this proposed method in engaging voiceless stakeholders in the participatory planning process through a case study of the Seohak-dong Art Theme Street design project in Jeonju, South Korea. This study finds that the PAP Delphi technique integrated into participatory planning effectively reflected the thoughts of voiceless stakeholders. This research contributes by proposing a practical and easy-to-use method for urban planners to engage less-vocal groups and demonstrating its effectiveness.

This study examines the impact of spatial characteristics on gendered retail consumption in Seoul, South Korea, providing empirical evidence for gender-sensitive urban planning. Gender-sensitive urban planning integrates gender perspectives into all stages of urban development, aiming to address the diverse needs and experiences of all genders spatially. While existing research has predominantly focused on gender differences in labor participation, this study shifts the focus to retail consumption, which is a critical aspect of daily life. Our research analyzes the spatial attributes of urban spaces at the neighborhood scale and their influence on aggregated retail consumption by gender. The aggregated retail sales by census output area (jipgyegu) represent the aggregated retail consumption. Utilizing spatial regression methods, this study identifies significant spatial autocorrelations and clustering patterns in retail sales data. The findings reveal that traditional markets, less-developed commercial areas, and specific retail sector (retailing, medical, and educational services) densities positively impact SMW (subtraction of men’s retail sales from women’s retail sales), while city center areas, developed commercial districts, special tourism zones, and specific retail sector (restaurants and entertainment) densities have negative impacts.