The Effects of Public Spaces on People’s Experiences and Satisfaction in Taif City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Public places play a central role in shaping positive and negative human experiences. They have a profound impact on people’s lives, affecting their sense of place, well-being, and overall quality of life. While public spaces have such an impact, little is known about their effects on the overall experiences of people in Saudi cities. Particularly, in Saudi Arabia, the form of public spaces has rapidly evolved and changed in recent years. Therefore, this study examined the impact of urban public spaces on people’s experiences, aiming to assess satisfaction levels within the broader context of urban life in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, it investigated the correlation between the public spaces and individuals’ perceptions and feelings toward the environment of Taif city. Taif is one of the key cities in Saudi Arabia targeted for significant improvements in quality of life as part of the 2030 vision. Therefore, it is important to study the effects on the residents there. The method used in the study involved quantitative data collected through a survey of 384 participants from Taif, which included questions measuring multiple aspects of the quality of urban public life, including the safety, walkability, social interaction, and functionality of public spaces. The results indicate that people in Taif would face a jeopardised level of satisfaction, as not all elements of the public spaces meet the desired standards. Therefore, their experiences would be impacted negatively if the noted concerns are not addressed. By identifying key urban design elements that impact people’s experiences and overall well-being, this research provides a foundation for planners and policymakers to work towards achieving the Saudi vision of creating more liveable and enduring urban environments in Saudi Arabian cities.