Characterization of Streetscape Elements in Aba Residential Area, Abia State: A Sub-Sahara African City

There is a dire need for a systematic analysis of the characterisation of streetscape elements in residential urban areas of Aba, Abia State. This is because there is limited research examining categorisation of streetscape elements in residential urban areas. This study therefore assesses the characterisation of Streetscape Elements in Aba residential area, Abia State with a view to providing evidence-based recommendations for sustainable urban design and neighbourhood planning. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted in the study on areas with streetscape elements (e.g, trees, sidewalks, buffers, etc). Using the Taro Yamane sample size determination formula, households from 351 housing units were sample from the sample frame of 1,565. A multistage sampling technique combining stratified, systematic and simple random sampling approaches was employed. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Weighted Mean Score (WMS) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), The result of the study shows that the characterization of the major streetscape elements/components in the study area are dimensioned in seven components and these are Pavement & Movement (33.090%), Street Furniture (20.136%), lighting & Signage (11.884%), Landscape & Green Infrastructure (11.162%), Utilities & Technical Elements (8.156%), Parking & Curb Management (6.763%) and Safety & Accessibility. (4.608%). The study recommends adoption of the seven streetscape dimensions as the official framework and design guidelines for streetscape development, establishing a monitoring and evaluation framework for streetscape performance and prioritizing the upgrading of existing non-streetscape neighbourhoods