Evaluation of Some Recreation Areas of Denizli City in terms of Visual Landscape Quality

Abstract

In addition to the natural beauties offered by an area, its visual effect can affect the users' experience of the area. Determining and evaluating the quality in terms of visual landscape, protecting it and transferring it to the use of future generations and ensuring the continuity of the urban ecology have gained importance today. In this context, in the study, in which the perception of landscape is handled visually, 9 common usage types have been determined in 4 recreational areas (Çamlık Urban Forest, Cable Car/Bağbaşı Plateau, Ornaz Valley Picnic Area and Servergazi Recreation Area) that are used extensively in Denizli City. In order to evaluate the visual landscape quality of these uses, a survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 271 people in Merkezefendi and Pamukkale districts of Denizli City Center. The results obtained according to the level of appreciation were evaluated separately for each area and usage type. As a result of the evaluations, Ornaz Valley well-maintained surface/areas (87.5%) were the most preferred usage type, while the Cable Car/Bağbaşı Plateau well-maintained surfaces/areas (8.4%) were determined as the least favorite usage type. The aim of this study is to reveal whether the landscape structure of some recreation areas in Denizli is related to the perceived visual quality. As a result of the survey conducted for this purpose, it was determined that the landscape structure of the recreation areas of Denizli city is related to the perceived visual quality. As a result, considering the visual landscape quality evaluations according to the landscape perception and preferences of the users, suggestions have been developed for the existing and future recreation areas.