Exploring The Character Of Selected Streets From Abbottabad Through Allan B. Jacobs’ Great Streets Framework: A Study In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: In urban areas, the streets occupy more land than any other public use. They are used for necessary services needed by the community. They are in constant changing phenomena. The functional aspects of the street design have got much attention than that of its social or community building aspects. Urban public spaces use their morphological characteristics to highlight the functions they contain. These spaces needed to be categorized based on the social activities they host. The needs of users must be considered in both the design and social aspects of streets. Objectives: Allan B. Jacob, a renown urban designer, based on his research into the social character of great streets in American cities, has identified several critical components. The authors of this paper have devised a study aimed at examining design elements within the Abbottabad City in Pakistani context and offering a comparative analysis with Allan B. Jacobs' elements. Methodology: A thorough qualitative study of a five chosen streets within the city of Abbottabad is conducted based on user preferences and viewpoints. After putting together spatial features and the corresponding physical elements that encourage social interaction, a comparison is made with Allan B. Jacobs' list of street design elements. Conclusion: The paper's conclusion offers a list of numerous street elements and attributes that are essential to the essence of greatness in our local context. Implications: This study lays the groundwork for future research on the streets of Pakistani cities. It can also be used to create new public spaces by analysing and utilising the details found in traditional city streets.