This study examines the relationship between socio-cultural identity and the appreciation and preference of urban public space. The study identifies the effect different characteristics or properties of the public space have on appreciation and preference among different socio-cultural groups. The study includes identification of characteristics which influence the appreciation and preference of public space, presenting the characteristics to participants of various socio-cultural groups using computer-aided simulations, and questioning the participants regarding their preferences concerning the given scenes. The study follows a mixed methods research design consisting of quantitative and qualitative techniques, combining preference ratings with interviews. This combination allows examining not only the preferences of the participants, but also offers a glimpse into their appreciation of the public space. The participants are of five socio-cultural sub-groups in Israeli society, chosen due to their distinctive characteristics differentiating them one from another: Ethiopian immigrants, Israeli Arabs, Ultra-Orthodox Jews, Soviet Union immigrants and Jews born in Israel (Tsabars).