Influencing Factors on Changes in the Unified Exterior Form Facing the Street

A case of suburban detached residential area in Japan

Abstract

A unified original townscape may affect the identity and value of the area. However, it is not easy to maintain the original design as time passes. This study aims to clarify the actual remaining state of exterior form within suburban detached residential areas and explore the influencing factors. For data collection, visual observation of the site and a literature survey on the housing map was conducted. For analysis, we conducted the cross-tabulation, chi-square test, and association analysis. The following results are obtained: 1) In about 80% of the lots, both planting belts and hedges are maintained after 23-37 years of development. The hedge is more likely to disappear than the planting belts, 2) Rebuilding, household alternation, and multiple flat parking spaces are three significant factors influencing the disappearance of planting belts and hedges. The impact of rebuilding is the predominant factor in the disappearance of both. Furthermore, the impact of rebuilding is strengthened when combined with household alternation or multiple flat parking spaces, and 3) The relationship between the remaining exterior features and duration after development by the areas and joining communal building agreements was not confirmed.