Perceived Urban Residential Quality

Abstract

This research involved Saudi Arabians and Americans in the assessment of urban residential quality. The study sites were four residential areas in each of two desert cities, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Tucson, Arizona. Both cities were portrayed in audiovisual simulations. In addition, on-site visits were made by touring panels of Saudi Arabians and Americans to the Tucson sites. Primary research objectives included investigation of potential crosscultural differences and assessment of the validity of the bimodal urban simulations and of the use of touring panels for assessing environmental quality. Cross-cultural differences were found in all phases of the research; modest support was found for the validity of the simulations; and important differences were found between on-site assessments by touring panels and residents of the study areas.

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