Research on Public Space Renewal in Old Communities under Spontaneous Planting Behaviors of the Elderly:A Case Study Based on 204 District in Shenyang

TANG Tianjiao; XU Lijun; YUAN Jingcheng

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2025.02.004

Abstract：From the perspective of the high-quality habitation and aging of the population,spontaneous planting in old communities usually has the characteristics of a large quantity,wide spatial distribution,low construction costs,and mainly being elderly-oriented,creating the temporary possibility of endogenous space.It meets the spatial requirements of improving the quality and quantity of the living environment for the aged.However,there is a conflict caused by the spillover of rights,which becomes challenging to address.A case study based on the 204 District of Dadong District in Shenyang City was carried out.Locations of spontaneous planting spaces and behavioral data in these spontaneous planting spaces of the aged were collected by combining field surveys and behavior tracking.Status characteristics were summarized from the subjects,behavioral types,and patterns of spontaneous planting spaces.The results show the following:(1)with respect to the characteristics of subjects,spontaneous planting spaces are mainly used by the middle-aged and the aged with low incomes,and mainly people with farming experience.(2)In terms of behavior types,behaviors in spontaneous planting spaces include the extension of daily life,leisure and recreation,neighborly communication,fitness,and entertainment.(3)In terms of spatial patterns,spontaneous planting behaviors are characteristic of"scattering on the overall scale and concentrating on the local scale".In terms of the spatial preferences,these localized agglomeration areas tend to occur along the following positions:the residential boundary transition areas,open space between residences,and community peripheral space.Based on the abovementioned research,90 typical nodes were chosen for targeted observation through behavior tracking,and a total of 1090 activity data points were collected.In this study,90 typical nodes were classified according to their respective locations.The scenario patterns and characteristics of different spatial settings were analyzed according to planting scale,planting mode,behavioral content,functional attributes,and other relevant factors.The findings were as follows:(1)The spontaneous planting behavior of the elderly is influenced by seasonal factors,exhibiting a clear temporal sequence and a certain degree of coupling with residents'daily activities.(2)In terms of the spatial distribution,the behavior manifests as a circular structure centered around residents'homes.The spontaneous planting behavior of the elderly varies in a"100m-300m-500m"structural pattern,radiating from their residences.Activity within the 100m zone mainly involves extensions of daily life;those within the 300m zone are dominated by neighborhood interactions;and those within the 500m zone are primarily leisure and fitness.(3)In combination with the analysis on the spatial characteristics of 90 typical nodes,it can be seen that community public spaces are privatized to varying degrees due to occupation during the spontaneous planting process.Among them,the peripheral spaces of residences are privatized the most,followed by the peripheral spaces of neighborhoods.The open spaces between residences are privatized the least.In summary,this research suggests that the phenomenon of spontaneous planting in old communities is double-edged.On the positive side,it is conducive to exploring the potential of the remaining space in the community,meeting the spatial needs of the elderly,and obtaining edible fruits and vegetables.On the negative side,since the limited public space resources in communities are encroached by planting,the boundary between public and private spaces becomes ambiguous,thus hindering the public space utilization of other residents.In light of these positive and negative effects,as well as the conflicts in rights of space use,the spontaneous planting space is challenged by the limited renewal of elderly-friendly spaces.As a spatial medium integrating production,life,and pastoral purposes,the renewal process of spontaneous planting spaces integrates resource elements,depends on the power of diversified subjects,and guides coordinated spatial development rather than a process to pursue the maximum utilization of public resources based on specific space units.It requires the participation of diversified agents,refined management,and the clear division of responsibilities.Ultimately,three renewal strategies were proposed that considered the"Co-construction,Co-governance,and Sharing"renewal mechanism of spontaneous planting:promoting refined and elderly-friendly renewal through an inclusive approach,maintaining the stability of community collectives through autonomous organizations,and balancing the"public-co-owned-private"boundary of rights and responsibilities according to specific circumstances.