Toward Sociable City Park: The Relationship between Sociopetality of Seating Facilities Design and Communities’ Social Activity in Khon Kaen, Thailand

Abstract

Green space in urban areas, including city parks, is one of the essential components and inseparable elements of the urban structure. Not only have environmental benefits, but city parks are also beneficial for the community in social improvement, as they become places for human interaction and integration. Khon Kaen City, one of the city centers in Thailand, continues to grow from what was originally only a small rural area. Thus the existence of city parks is fundamental. Since sitting is an activity that can open opportunities for social interaction and create the vitality of urban space, the importance of creating seating that can maximize the social interaction (sociopetal) of the community in the city park is needed. However, the seating facilities in Khon Kaen city parks are dominated by linear seating characteristics that can minimize social interaction (sociofugal). This study aims to investigate the relationship between the sociopetality of seating facilities design and communities' social activity. Data on seating facilities design characteristics and communities' social activity collected through behavioral mapping in three city parks in Khon Kaen were analyzed using chi-square and odd ratio. The results showed a significant relationship between the sociopetality of seating facilities design and communities' social activity. Sociopetal seats tend to be used 2.4 times more often for social activity than individual activity. This finding can be a reference for architects, planners, and designers to increase social activity in city parks.