Physical and perceptual dimensions of open urban spaces in Biskra, Algeria

The sound dimension is a constitutive element of the architectural, urban, and environmental projects of open spaces. In combination with other physical stimuli, such as vision, thermoigrometric conditions, odors, the sound can contribute to fulfill the expectation and it can improve the well being of the citizens who are the users of these spaces. Many researches attempted to find out correlation between quantitative multisensorial physical features of open spaces and subjective qualitative evaluation by users. In many cases these attempts were successful, however few researches considered specifically special categories such as older citizens or visually impaired citizens. In order to receive information to make the sensory urban architecture approach more inclusive as possible, in this preliminary study several relevant urban sites such as gardens, main streets and open markets in the city of the Biskra in Algeria have been characterized in terms of physical properties and in these sites, through specific surveys, the response of users was collected. Among the users, different categories of citizens with specific needs were contemplated for the subjective assessment.