spatial modeling of transformation of public open spaces in Zarqa, Jordan

In the recent urban development of the city of Zarqa in Jordan, the public open spaces in this city have not been designed to accommodate the high and rapid population increase. As such, Zarqa city does not have adequate public open spaces that meet the users? needs. As a result of inadequate public open spaces, people created new informal open spaces to practice recreational, and other, activities. This research investigated success of formal (officiallyorganized) public open spaces and the informal spaces created by users according to the indicators of successful public open spaces. It used qualitative and quantitative approaches using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a questionnaire survey. The primary data were collected using various tools like the questionnaire and the GIS whilst the secondary data were obtained from the literature. This study concludes with a spatial model consists of multirecommendation contributing the success of public open spaces in Zarqa City. This model gives an opportunity to guide the government, municipal authorities, planners, and decisionmakers responsible for designing public open spaces to enhance the future community-friendly spaces in cities suffering unplanned urban and population growth. The significance of this study is that it is the first specifically examining the designing public open spaces in Jordan. This model therefore can be applied to other Jordan cities that are similar to Zarqa City. It can also be developed further in order to inform the similar works that are being undertaken in developing countries cities in terms of urban development and population growth