Research on the Correlation between Outdoor Activity Characteristics of Elderly-Children Groups and Residential Space:A Case Study of Guangzhou New World Garden Residential Community

ZHANG Chunyang; ZHANG Liangduo; ZHANG Wenyu

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2025.05.001

Abstract：In the context of the new normal state in population development,it has become an important concern for the state and society at present to respond to population aging positively,promote the construction of child-friendly societies,and improve and develop the"elderly-children"service system.Residential public spaces serve as critical venues for the daily outdoor activities of the elderly and children.Disclosing the characteristics of their outdoor activities and influencing factors in residential areas is significant in enhancing their outdoor experience and creating age-friendly living environments. First,an elderly-children suitability evaluation framework of residual spaces containing 14 spatial factors across five dimensions was established based on a literature review and experts' advice.A total of 15 typical activity spaces in Guangzhou New World Garden Residential Area were selected for objective assessments of spatial factors.All scores were recorded.Second,the localized SOPARC scale was introduced for non-invasive observations of the elderly-children groups in typical spaces.Their activity time distribution,activity space distribution,activity type and characteristics were recorded objectively.Further,the total number of activities and the diversity of activities were selected as the two dimensions of the activity characteristics of the elderly and children.Data from 2,503 record sheets was statistically analyzed.The Spearman coefficient was calculated using SPSS to analyze correlations between two dimensions of activity characteristics and spatial factors.On this basis,spatial factors correlated with the total number of activities and diversity of activities were chosen.Multiple linear regression models were established to explore the influencing degrees of residential space factors on the total number and diversity of elderly-children group activities and recognize key spatial factors influencing activity characteristics of the elderly-children groups.Finally,regression models of activity characteristics and spatial factors of the elderly and children were built,respectively,to explore the differences between two groups in spatial preferences. Research results on the influences of activity characteristics of the elderly-children groups indicate that the number of rest facilities,childcare spaces and activities facilities are significantly correlated with the total amount and diversity of activities of the two groups.With respect to the diversity of activities of the elderly-children groups,spatial hierarchical richness is the primary influencing spatial factor.According to research results on the influence of activity characteristics of the elderly and children groups,the elderly prefer activities in spaces with sufficient facilities and richer spatial groups and functional circle layers,whereas children prefer activities in spaces with a larger scale and richer spatial hierarchy. Research conclusions provide scientific references to create activity spaces suitable for the elderly and children.They can offer some guidance in building communities that are friendly to the elderly and children,renewing the design of residential activity spaces,and formulting relevant design guidelines.