Research on Age-friendly Adaptation of Underpass Spaces based on Environment-behavior Fit:A Case Study based on Kunming Xiyuan Overpass

ZHAI Hui; DUAN Ruiqiang; TAO Nan

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2025.11.001

Abstract：In the context of urban renewal focusing on"enhancing quality and efficiency of inventory spaces,"the"negative"spaces in cities are gradually becoming important sites for elderly people's daily activities in surrounding communities.The age-friendly renovation of these spaces is important for promoting healthy aging and optimizing high-density urban public spaces.As typical inventory spaces in urban areas,underpass spaces have substantial potential for adaptive reuse.However,existing renovation practices often emphasize functional and landscape improvements,while lacking in-depth consideration of the behavioral needs of the elderly and environmental compatibility.This study establishes an evaluation system for the age-friendly adaptation of urban underpass spaces based on the"environment-behavior"fit.Moreover,an empirical investigation based on Xiyuan Interchange in Kunming was conducted.Grounded in environmental behavior studies and person-environment fit theory,this study elaborates on the"environment-behavior"dynamic adaptation mechanism and emphasizes that the degree of fit is the core driver of the interactive cycle between environment and behaviors.Based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs,elderly people's behaviors in public spaces are divided into three types:survival maintenance,social connection,and self-development.The environmental support conditions for each type were analyzed systematically.Following an approach of"theory-driven → behavior analysis → environment mapping → indicator selection,"the study develops a comprehensive evaluation system comprising three dimensions,nine environmental conditions,and 27 specific indicators.Methodologically,an Importance-Performance Analysis(IPA)was employed."Importance"was used to represent behavioral demand,and"satisfaction"was used to express environmental support.Weights of indicators were determined using the entropy method.The high,medium,and low fit relationships were identified,providing a nuanced depiction of the degree of fit between the environment and behavior.An empirical study was conducted on the Xiyuan Overpass in Kunming through questionnaires,behavioral annotations,and on-site observations.Data collection,collation,and analysis found that 1)older users exhibit significant environmental agency;they can transform some environmental constraints(e.g.,noise)into behavioral opportunities through cognitive restructuring and behavioral adaptation,thereby turning"negative spaces"into"permissive spaces".2)The IPA results indicate that there are notably insufficient fitness,recreation,resting,and accessibility facilities in underpass spaces.Key indicators such as pedestrian safety,spatial connectivity,intergenerational interaction,inclusiveness,air quality,greenery comfort,olfactory experience,and activity implementation exhibit low degrees of fit.These are major barriers to age-friendly adaptation.Consequently,three optimization strategies were proposed:1)for survival-oriented behaviors,adaptations should optimize functional layout,supplement fitness and flexible facilities,and implement"quiet traffic"measures to ensure safety;2)for social behaviors,it should enhance spatial connectivity and inclusiveness to support diverse collective activities;and 3)for self-development behaviors,it should improve greenery and air quality,add resting and recreational facilities,and create platforms for talent display to enrich the space's spiritual and cultural value.This study's systematic integration of"environment-behavior"fit into the evaluation and optimization of underpass spaces provides feasible evaluation tools and design strategies for age-friendly renovation of similar urban stock spaces.Moreover,it highlights that urban renewal practices should pay more attention to user subjectivity and dynamic fit than to static labeling of spaces.It should promote the transition of space governance logic to the"top-down coordination and proactive creation"mode,thus enabling the more effective exploration of the potential of inventory spaces in urban areas to build a healthy age-friendly society.