First Advisor

Nancy J. Chapman

Date of Publication

8-15-1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Urban Studies (M.U.S.)

Department

Urban Studies and Planning

Language

English

Subjects

Neighborhoods -- Oregon -- Portland

DOI

10.15760/etd.7265

Physical Description

1 online resource, (p.)

Abstract

The character of a neighborhood is demonstrated through environmental cues that tell the casual passerby about a neighborhood and its residents, including such aspects as privacy, neighboring, and wealth. Neighborhoods may be made up of residents all speaking the same message, such as exclusivity or independence; these neighborhoods give coherent messages and have strong identifiable character. Other neighborhoods may seem fragmented or have unclear character because the residential make-up is changing over time. Residents reflect aspects of themselves through the physical surroundings that make up a neighborhood.

This study examines three neighborhoods in a preliminary effort to identify which characteristics convey neighborhood character. The neighborhoods were chosen to include one wealthy, relatively liberal neighborhood, one working class neighborhood, and one neighborhood in transition. The character of these neighborhoods was established using arc hi val data, including newspaper articles and 1990 U.S. Census data, and by cataloguing the types and mix of non-residential uses. Field research was undertaken to catalogue house-front and landscape elements by neighborhood. Within each neighborhood a random sample of streets was selected, totaling at least 50 houses observed per neighborhood. In addition, the neighborhood as a whole was driven through to form an overall impression of residential areas and mix of uses.

These observations are given along with likely messages conveyed by residents. The observations, connected with the archival findings on the character of the neighborhoods culminate in an interpretation of neighborhood character as manifested in these three neighborhoods.

These observations are given along with likely messages conveyed by residents. The observations, connected with the archival findings on the character of the neighborhoods culminate in an interpretation of neighborhood character as manifested in these three neighborhoods.

Rights

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Comments

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/30991

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