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Volume 13 | Issue 6 | Year 2026 | Article Id. IJCE-V13I6P109 | DOI : https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I6P109

Assessment of Public Space Quality of Tourist Destinations: Comparative Analysis of Cases in Bengaluru

Amala Anna Jacob, Aparna M P, Megha Ann Jose

Received Revised Accepted Published
11 Mar 2026 09 Apr 2026 08 May 2026 30 Jun 2026

Citation :

Amala Anna Jacob, Aparna M P, Megha Ann Jose, "Assessment of Public Space Quality of Tourist Destinations: Comparative Analysis of Cases in Bengaluru," International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 117-133, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I6P109

Abstract

Tourist experiences are often influenced by the quality of public spaces near destinations. We therefore apply Jan Gehl’s twelve-quality criteria framework for public spaces and conduct a descriptive and comparative assessment of six tourist destinations in Bengaluru. Through this method, some common challenges and drivers of public space quality are revealed. We use the framework to score three main criteria of protection, comfort, and enjoyment, twelve sub-criteria, and forty-two sub-criteria. We find that some crucial indicators of public space quality, including protection against unpleasant sensory experience, opportunity to experience positive aspects of climate, diversity of uses, accessibility for everyone, and elements of human scale, are lacking at most destinations. To mitigate the adverse implications of these aspects on tourist experiences and to improve public space quality, we suggest approaches that can be undertaken through future design or policy interventions. These include nature-based solutions, integration of informal vending, universal accessibility, and the development of tourist precincts.

Keywords

Urban Design Quality, Twelve-Quality Criteria, Assessment, Tourism, Public Space, Bengaluru.

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