Evaluating the uses and environmental characteristics of 40 public parks and squares in Barcelona by means of systematic observation / Evaluación de los usos y características ambientales de 40 parques y plazas en Barcelona mediante observación sistemática

Abstract This paper presents an ad hoc instrument for the observation and recording of public space usage based on the combination of field formats and category systems. The EXOdES (Observational Examination of Space) instrument was applied to the analysis of 40 public spaces in the city of Barcelona as part of the collaboration agreement established with the Barcelona City Department of Prevention Services. It describes the theoretical foundations on which the research conducted is based, especially those pertaining to the social quality of public spaces, as well as the theories generated around the concept of public insecurity. In turn, it advocates the role of observational methodology as a valid instrument in psychosocial research, especially when analysing the dynamics of public urban spaces. The results show certain characteristics of the patterns of usage of the public spaces studied based on the analysis of differences in terms of the gender, age and seemingly immigrant/native origin of users, as well as the diversity of uses found and the influence of environmental variables.