Quantitative Survey Design in Applied Urban Studies

Abstract

This article is d ed to methodology of survey design included in a complex applied urban study to support projects developing public spaces. The survey is the second quantitative part of a study design based on qualitative fieldwork involving anthropological research methods, such as participant observation, short interviews, in-depth interviews, go-along interviews, and mind maps. The current version of the questionnaire is a result of several pre-project research cases conducted by the Competence center for urban environment and smart city development of Leningrad region during 2019–2020, with the questions sharpened in different iterations of the survey. The survey consists of 4 parts. The first part is dedicated to the self-reported usage of the territory; the second to citizens’ visions of the future public space; the third to the symbolical urban space, local narratives and the identity of the inhabitants; and the fourth to socio-demographic issues and possible strategies for using the space. Besides the quantitative data, the survey also reveals some qualitative aspects, especially in case of a shortage of face-to-face fieldwork, such as during the lockdown of 2020. The qualitative and quantitative data form the basis of an urban development draft project, providing insight into the social context for architects and the public, who participate in democratic design sessions and other activities.