The Relationship between Park Design and Seniors’ Use of Green Spaces in X’ian, China

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Cover image: aerial view of Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Logan Armstrong on Unsplash
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Published: Dec 31, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32891/jps.v8i2.1348
Keywords:
behavior mapping environmental affordance seniors urban green space urban park

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Yang Zhang
Huzhou University
Terry van Dijk
University of Groningen
Gerd Weitkamp
University of Groningen
Agnes Elizabeth van den Berg
University of Twente

Abstract

Urban parks can facilitate a healthy and active lifestyle among older adults by promoting their physical activities and social interactions. However, unless these parks meet the needs of this group, they may not be effectively utilized or contribute to seniors’ well-being. We applied the concept of environmental affordances in an investigation of the relationship between urban parks’ design characteristics and their use by older adults. Specifically, we developed a functional taxonomy of afforded park usage for senior visitors based on a methodology that combined interviews and behavior mapping in three sites within an urban park in Xi’an, China. We identified four main categories of afforded park usage: individual physical activities, group physical activities, social interactions, and sitting and resting. These activities may be supported or constrained by particular design elements, other people and their behaviors, the park’s physical accessibility, facilities and maintenance, and the park’s atmosphere. In conclusion, we provide recommendations to facilitate urban planners and designers in creating more livable green spaces for senior residents in urban areas.

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How to Cite
Zhang, Y., van Dijk, T., Weitkamp, G. and van den Berg, A. E. (2023) “The Relationship between Park Design and Seniors’ Use of Green Spaces in X’ian, China”, The Journal of Public Space, 8(2), pp. 21–40. doi: 10.32891/jps.v8i2.1348.
Issue
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2023): Research Perspectives
Section
Articles
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Author Biographies

Yang Zhang, Huzhou University

Yang Zhang specializes in urban design and landscape architecture, holding a PhD from the University of Groningen in spatial planning and environment.

Terry van Dijk, University of Groningen

Terry van Dijk is an Associate Professor at the University of Groningen and works on the interface between urban design and planning. He studies the role of designs and designers in planning practices, from a socially engaged standpoint. He has published about the reframing role of plans - the fact that plans make people aware of qualities of their surroundings, thus shaping their mental construction of the world around them and affecting their attitudes and actions. He relates that to notions on social movements and neighbourhood activism, studying how political structures affect efficacy by citizens. His main curiosity is how interactive design and visionary thinking can be a platform for a more engaged, more informative and better informed way of decision-making than deliberation by words alone. And for high quality urban spaces.

Gerd Weitkamp, University of Groningen

Gerd Weitkamp is an Associate Professor at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Spatial Sciences. Specializing in Health Geography and Mobility, he applies geospatial technologies and mixed-method approaches to explore the interplay between human behavior and living environments. Currently, his research covers mobility of older adults, accessibility to health care, and impact of emerging transportation modes. Gerd aims to contribute to sustainable mobility practices and healthy living environments through his interdisciplinary work.

Agnes Elizabeth van den Berg, University of Twente

Agnes Van den Berg is an environmental psychologist who specializes in research on health benefits of nature. She is a pioneering and leading researcher in her field, with a track record of nearly 30 years. Her research interests encompass fundamental and applied issues related to the causes, mechanisms and health consequences of people-environment interactions. Van den Berg has authored over 100 publications on the importance of contact with nature for various groups, including residents of deprived neighborhoods, children, and hospital patients. Van den Berg is a member of various scientific advisory boards and regularly serves as a reviewer in assessment committees. From 2012 - 2022 she has held a chair in Nature Perception and Health at the University of Groningen. She is currently owner of research company Nature for People. Through this company she participates in national and international research projects in which she collaborates with colleagues from academic and applied organizations.

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