Urban Visual Characteristics and Livability of Heritage Areas: A Case of Erbil’s Qaysari Bazaar

Improving visual characteristics in heritage areas enhances residents’ comfort, social engagement and overall urban livability. This study investigates how urban visual characteristics influence the perceived livability of the heritage area surrounding Qaysari Bazaar in Erbil City. The study employs a survey approach, incorporating a questionnaire. Findings reveal that urban visual characteristic shape residents’ and users’ perception of livability, with building façade characteristics and streetscape features showing the strongest influence. The regression result confirms that visual characteristics accounts for more than 70% of the variance in perceived livability, highlighting the critical role of architectural design, historical integrity, adequate greenery, and well-maintained public areas. The survey findings show that building façade characteristics play a larger role in livability compared to streetscape features and services. The study concludes that enhancing visual harmony, conserving heritage character, and improving pedestrian-friendly environments are essential strategies for sustaining livability of heritage areas. By empirically investigating the relationship between visual characteristics and perceived livability, the study critically highlights conservation methods and strategies that focus solely on material conservation and advocates for a transition to human-centered and visually-aware heritage management. The findings target planners, architects, and heritage authorities to adopt context-sensitive design guidelines to ensure sustainable urban conservation of Erbil.