Beyond Short-Term Success: Developing an FCE-Based Framework for User Satisfaction in China’s Industrial Heritage Regeneration

Abstract

Despite significant progress in industrial heritage regeneration, limited attention to post-occupancy operation and maintenance has caused many projects to decline after initial success. This is largely due to the failure to adapt to evolving user needs, highlighting the importance of understanding user experiences. This study aims to develop a scientific and systematic method for evaluating user satisfaction in reused industrial heritage projects. Recognizing the critical role of user needs in project sustainability, the research adopts a user-centered approach to assess spatial experiences. Qualitative feedback was collected through open-ended interviews with the users of two reused buildings—an exhibition hall and a commercial space—within Bingshan Wisdom Park in China. The data were analyzed using frequency-based categorization to construct evaluation factor sets, weight sets, and satisfaction sets. The Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) method was then applied to quantify overall user satisfaction. Results indicate that satisfaction with the exhibition hall is driven by four key experiential dimensions, while the commercial space is evaluated across five distinct factors. Furthermore, the method enables uniform quantification across different project types for comparative analysis. The proposed approach provides a replicable framework for identifying strengths and weaknesses in user satisfaction, thereby supporting the long-term viability of industrial heritage regeneration projects.

1. Introduction

The advent of industrial archaeology—a systematic study of material evidence associated with the industrial past—in 1955 encouraged a focus on the remnants of industrial heritage [1]. The Nizhny Tagil Charter for Industrial Heritage, adopted in 2003, significantly supports the preservation of historical culture in industrial heritage during urban regeneration efforts [2]. By 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China had selected six batches comprising 379 Chinese industrial heritage projects. Most of these projects aim to conserve and reuse historical and cultural heritage while attracting the public with their unique industrial culture. Following the success of Beijing’s 798 Art District, the mixed-use model, particularly involving creative industries, has become increasingly prevalent in China [3]. A growing number of these projects adopt a mixed-use model—blending functions such as exhibitions, commerce, and cultural activities—to revitalize former industrial sites and meet diverse public needs.

Current research on the transformation of industrial heritage primarily focuses on analyzing cultural value, display, and expression [4,5]. However, while considerable attention has been paid to cultural display and spatial design, there is a growing social need to evaluate the post-occupancy performance of such projects, particularly from the perspective of user experience. This need is especially pressing given the subjective and evolving nature of user expectations, which can directly influence the long-term success and sustainability of industrial heritage reuse. Given the abstract nature of culture, the challenge for designers lies in effectively bridging the gap between historical and cultural narratives and public users [6,7]. While architects and users aim to fulfill their respective roles, a persistent gap exists between the two parties regarding exchanging and understanding information. Therefore, verifying a project’s effectiveness through user feedback is essential [8]. Furthermore, evaluating the operational performance of various functions and themes within the site from the perspective of clients or decision-makers can provide a reliable foundation for determining the project’s future direction, especially in mixed-use industrial heritage regeneration projects [9].

Therefore, this study aims to develop a scientific and systematic method for evaluating user satisfaction with industrial heritage regeneration projects. It addresses a core question: How can user feedback—rich in subjective impressions—be effectively collected and quantified?

In order to identify users’ subjective feelings, the research method of survey questionnaires is indispensable [10]. Traditional questionnaire methods provide decision-makers valuable feedback on users’ experiences with a project. These questionnaires are typically designed with a predefined list of questions tailored to a specific project [11]. However, it is important to acknowledge that such questionnaires may not comprehensively address all aspects of users’ experiences, potentially overlooking critical elements. Besides, fixed-question formats can inadvertently mislead respondents and fail to capture their genuine feelings [12]. In addition, the perception of architectural space is highly subjective and varies from person to person, leading to multi-dimensional subjective evaluations of a project. How to scientifically and systematically analyze the evaluation feedback of these various dimensions will be a challenge. The Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) method is an effective tool for solving this problem because it can scientifically quantify the comprehensive effectiveness of a project by utilizing the weighting of various factors [13]. As a result, FCE has been widely applied in multi-criteria decision-making scenarios to provide a holistic evaluation of complex systems [14].

This study addresses two key issues in evaluating the effectiveness of industrial heritage regenerations: assessing user satisfaction and comparing regenerations’ popularity with different functions. To achieve the study’s objectives, users leverage “selective attention”—focusing on the most impressive and personally significant aspects highlighted in free comments—to gather evaluation data through open-ended interviews [15]. The collected data are then analyzed using the FCE method to generate a comprehensive satisfaction score for the target function. As a case study, the mixed-use industrial heritage site Bingshan Wisdom Park in Dalian, China, is used to demonstrate the application of this method. This approach provides decision-makers with a reliable reference for future resource allocation and project planning.

2. User Experience in Industrial Heritage Regeneration

Analogous to texts, images, songs, and video data, industrial heritage serves as a repository of historical and cultural evidence [2]. Historic industrial buildings, in particular, encapsulate the technological achievements, societal structures, and living standards of their time, while also preserving rich cultural memories [16]. As tangible records of history, the preservation and adaptive reuse of industrial heritage have gained broad recognition across various sectors of society—especially in support of personalized regional development and historical research [17,18,19,20].

In the context of urban regeneration, the treatment of industrial heritage buildings requires a careful balance between preserving historical evidence and allowing for adaptive reuse. Solely protective measures risk sealing these structures away from public engagement, while unchecked development may lead to their irreversible destruction. Therefore, what appear to be conflicting approaches—conservation and innovation—must be pursued in tandem.

The transformation of industrial heritage buildings revolves around “the selective preservation and strategic addition of architectural elements” [21]. This process allows both historical and contemporary elements to coexist, presenting a dialogue between the past and the present. The debate over whether new interventions should take precedence over historical authenticity—or vice versa—has become obsolete. Instead, integration fosters a mutually reinforcing relationship between old and new, producing a hybrid architectural culture [22]. This fusion not only highlights the passage of time but also encourages reflection on the dynamic relationship between history and future possibilities [23].

Given these unique characteristics, industrial heritage regeneration has been gaining global popularity. Visitors to these reimagined spaces are motivated by complex sociocultural factors, reflecting broader societal values that merit academic exploration. Santos and Silva identify four key dimensions of user experience in such projects: historical curiosity, aesthetic appreciation, spatial experience, and sustainability concerns [24]. This study builds upon these dimensions by exploring the underlying motivations for prioritizing research in each area, drawing from interdisciplinary perspectives across architecture, sociology, and urban studies.

Striking Visual Appearance (A Catalyst for Urban Identity): The visual transformation of industrial heritage addresses the growing need for urban distinctiveness in homogenized cityscapes. Historic industrial structures, with their monumental scales (e.g., 12–20-meter-high truss systems, 30-meter-span vaults) and hybrid materiality (exposed steel, weathered brick), create iconic landmarks that counteract the anonymity of modern urban design. The regeneration often preserves these industrial sites’ original architectural style and structural features while seamlessly incorporating modern art installations, cultural spaces, and recreational facilities [25,26]. Studying this dimension reveals how industrial aesthetics can redefine urban branding and foster place-based identity in an era of globalization.

Cultural Continuity (Safeguarding Technological Memory): Industrial heritage embodies the materialization of technological progress, yet its narratives risk erasure in post-industrial societies. The retention of original machinery and space and the integration of digital storytelling tools transform these sites into living museums [27]. Investigating this dimension is critical to understanding how cities can balance modernization with the preservation of industrial legacies—a key challenge for nations undergoing rapid deindustrialization.

Spatial Flexibility (Addressing Urban Resource Scarcity): The adaptive reuse of industrial spaces offers solutions to urban land shortages and the climate crisis. Industrial buildings’ inherent structural capacities—such as 8 m ceilings, column-free spans exceeding 2000 m², and floor loads of 5 KN/m²—enable multifunctional reprogramming unachievable in conventional buildings [28]. These spaces can be highly adaptable when converted into civic spaces such as art exhibitions, creative offices, or community activity centers. Such flexible spaces offer valuable options for urban regeneration and improve the overall adaptability of the area.

Emotional Resonance (Healing Post-Industrial Trauma): Industrial decline often leaves psychological scars on communities. Adaptive reuse projects can mediate collective memory and identity reconstruction; for example, those tied to industrial enterprises that contributed to regional development or individuals who worked or lived in the factories. These reused spaces allow people to relive the past and form emotional bonds [29]. By fostering historical and emotional continuity, industrial heritage regeneration projects strengthen users’ sense of belonging and identity [28]. Studying this dimension provides insights into addressing the psychosocial impacts of deindustrialization, particularly in rustbelt regions grappling with economic transitions.

3. The Significance of Evaluation

Designers often take pride in achieving self-actualization through projects, such as employing new technologies and creating aesthetically pleasing forms. However, they must recognize that architecture serves its users, and the primary goal of preserving old industrial buildings is to provide a satisfying user experience [30]. Determining whether or not the design resulting from such transformations will be accepted by users is a significant challenge for designers [31]. By thoughtfully considering users’ needs and preferences while integrating the unique characteristics of old industrial buildings, designers can create solutions that resonate with a broad audience. Assessing user satisfaction in industrial heritage regeneration holds significant value across social, economic, and cultural dimensions. It provides essential guidance and a foundation for the regeneration process and the future development of such projects.

3.1. Embodiment and Enhancement of Cultural Values

Industrial heritage sites serve as tangible representations of rich historical, cultural, and social narratives. These spaces encapsulate the evolution of industries, the transformation of communities, and the socio-economic shifts that have shaped urban and rural landscapes. One of the primary objectives of industrial heritage regeneration projects is to seamlessly weave these historical and cultural elements into contemporary functional spaces, ensuring their continued relevance while fostering cultural regeneration and continuity [32].

To assess the success of such projects, user satisfaction evaluations play a pivotal role. These assessments provide critical insights into whether or not the renovated spaces effectively preserve and communicate their original historical and cultural essence. By analyzing visitor perceptions and engagement, researchers and project teams can determine the extent to which the public identifies with and values these cultural elements. Such evaluations also help gauge the appeal of these spaces to cultural tourists, who often seek authenticity and historical depth in their experiences [33].

Beyond assessing visitor satisfaction, these evaluations also guide ongoing preservation efforts. By integrating feedback mechanisms, project teams can refine design elements, enhance interpretative displays, and improve overall visitor experience. Furthermore, adaptive reuse strategies—such as integrating multimedia storytelling, interactive exhibits, and augmented reality applications—can enhance cultural transmission and deepen public appreciation for industrial heritage [34]. The active engagement of communities in the preservation process not only enriches the historical narrative but also strengthens the cultural identity associated with these heritage sites.

3.2. Enhancing the Adaptability and Comfort of Spaces

Industrial heritage sites were originally designed for utilitarian purposes, often prioritizing efficiency over human comfort. As these spaces are repurposed for modern use, ensuring their adaptability and comfort becomes a critical factor in the success of regeneration projects. Effective industrial heritage transformation involves thoughtful spatial planning, ergonomic considerations, and the integration of contemporary amenities while maintaining the structural integrity and historical authenticity of the site.

User satisfaction assessments serve as a vital tool in identifying practical challenges raised during the adaptation process. Research has demonstrated that user-centered design approaches, informed by continuous feedback, can significantly enhance both the functional efficiency and experiential quality of such projects [35]. Moreover, ensuring the flexibility of these spaces is essential to accommodate diverse uses. The function of the current industrial transformation project is dynamic, and the tall, adaptable industrial building space allows for greater possibilities in functional repurposing. By continuously gathering user feedback, we can gain a clearer understanding of user needs and market demands, enabling the ongoing introduction of appropriate new functions.

3.3. Enhancing the Market Competitiveness and Sustainability of Projects

In an increasingly competitive landscape, the success of industrial heritage regeneration projects extends beyond cultural preservation—it also hinges on their economic viability and long-term sustainability. Well-executed heritage transformations not only serve as cultural landmarks but also become thriving commercial and social hubs, attracting businesses, visitors, and investors. The ability of these projects to establish a strong brand identity and market appeal plays a crucial role in ensuring their financial and operational sustainability.

User satisfaction assessments provide valuable data that inform strategic decision-making. By analyzing visitor demographics, preferences, and behavioral patterns, project managers can identify shifts in market demand and refine their positioning, promotional strategies, and service offerings accordingly [36]. Such data-driven approaches enable heritage sites to remain competitive and relevant, catering to evolving audience expectations. Additionally, long-term user satisfaction monitoring offers quantitative insights that support continuous project development. Recurring assessments allow project stakeholders to track performance indicators, optimize resource allocation, and implement necessary modifications that enhance both visitor experience and operational efficiency. Maintaining a dynamic and responsive approach to heritage management ensures that these sites not only generate economic benefits but also contribute to broader regional development goals. Finally, sustainability considerations are integral to the longevity of industrial heritage projects. Implementing eco-friendly restoration techniques, promoting responsible tourism, and fostering local community engagement can help strike a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship. By leveraging historical narratives to create compelling visitor experiences, these projects can reinforce their cultural significance while driving sustainable development and social impact [37].

3.4. Promoting the Sustainable Development of Smart Cities

As a new form of urban development, smart cities integrate next-generation information technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G communication, and cloud computing—to enable intelligent management across urban infrastructure, public services, transportation, energy, and environmental systems. These technologies optimize resource allocation, enhance service responsiveness, and support evidence-based decision-making [38,39]. With ongoing technological advances, data-driven tools are increasingly recognized as essential for quantitative analysis and scientific urban planning [40].

However, the current trajectory of smart city development remains overly reliant on quantifiable data, with technical frameworks often lacking a systematic integration of humanistic dimensions—such as cultural identity, social relationships, and subjective experiences [41,42]. Addressing this limitation is urgent and essential. Industrial heritage regeneration projects offer a valuable case in point. By leveraging data analysis to evaluate user satisfaction post-regeneration, these projects introduce a crucial humanistic perspective into smart city paradigms. This practice exemplifies a deep integration of data rationality with human-centered values: on one hand, quantitative tools can precisely capture users’ emotional responses to historical spaces; on the other, digitally expressing cultural cognition can inform and refine spatial renewal strategies. This bidirectional empowerment mechanism addresses the shortcomings of purely technical approaches and advances the evolution of smart cities toward human-oriented sustainable development. It does so through more refined governance and the balanced coordination of all dimensions of sustainability—economic, social, environmental, and cultural.

4. Construction of the Research Methodology

The study statistically evaluates user satisfaction following the project’s transformation by collecting specific user feedback. Since individual user feedback often focuses on different aspects, one of the primary challenges is determining how to consolidate these diverse aspects into a comprehensive set of evaluation factors. As the sample size increases, the impact of individual variability on the overall assessment diminishes. The second key issue is determining the weight of each feedback aspect in the overall evaluation. The study applies the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) method to integrate the data and derive user satisfaction levels after the industrial heritage regeneration by addressing these challenges.

4.1. Construction of the Feedback Information Base

This study employed interview-based questioning techniques. Researchers conducted interviews with visitors who had completed their tours. All respondents were adults (aged 18 or older) using the site as tourists. Upon obtaining their informed consent to participate anonymously, the interviews were initiated. The interview question was as follows:

“What aspects of the project impressed you? Please evaluate these aspect(s) as satisfactory, normal, or unsatisfactory.”

This open-ended question was intentionally designed to allow visitors the freedom to articulate their thoughts and emotions regarding their experience. By adopting this approach, the study leveraged the psychological concept of selective attention, which explains how individuals naturally focus on certain aspects of their surroundings while filtering out less relevant details. This cognitive phenomenon, extensively explored in psychological literature [43,44], suggests that people prioritize information based on its perceived significance. According to selective attention theory, individuals process stimuli selectively, concentrating on elements that align with their interests, values, or expectations [45,46]. In this context, selective attention plays a crucial role in shaping the “attraction points” of the project—features that capture visitors’ attention and leave a lasting impression. By focusing on what stands out to individuals, this investigative method efficiently highlights key project attributes while avoiding routine or predictable elements that might otherwise be overlooked. This ensures that the evaluation emphasizes the most meaningful and impactful aspects of the project rather than merely confirming well-known characteristics.

During the analysis phase, responses from multiple participants were systematically compiled. Each evaluation item mentioned by visitors was categorized into broader influencing factors, which collectively contributed to the overall assessment of the project. This structured approach ensured that the set of influencing factors remained comprehensive yet free of redundancy, minimizing the omission of important subjective elements. Additionally, the methodology’s adaptability makes it highly generalizable, allowing it to be applied flexibly across various spatial contexts, such as industrial museums, commercial venues, community activity spaces, and other functional environments.

To further refine the assessment, the frequency with which each influencing factor was mentioned served as the basis for determining its relative weight in the overall evaluation. Factors cited more frequently were considered more influential, as they represented aspects that had a stronger impact on visitors’ perceptions. To assign these weights systematically, the study employed a quantitative approach—calculating the proportion of total responses that included each factor. This data-driven weighting mechanism helps reduce reliance on subjective judgment, ensuring a more objective and evidence-based evaluation process.

4.2. Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method

The Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) method is a systematic and structured approach rooted in the principles of fuzzy mathematics theory [47]. This method has been widely adopted across a diverse range of disciplines, including environmental science, economics, education, medicine, and various other fields where comprehensive assessments are required [48,49,50,51].

The FCE method operates by assigning specific values to each influencing factor within the assessment framework. These values are then systematically processed through a weighting mechanism that reflects their relative importance, ultimately generating a comprehensive dataset. This dataset serves as the foundation for deriving meaningful judgments and conclusions, making the FCE model a valuable tool for complex evaluations that involve multiple criteria and uncertain data.

A quantitative matrix model of the multifactor evaluation is formed by aggregating the number of responses to each influencing factor, as shown in

Table 1. Quantitative matrix model.

	Satisfactory	Normal	Unsatisfactory
Influencing factor 1	Number of persons in agreement (Score11)	Number of persons in agreement (Score12)	Number of persons in agreement (Score13)
Influencing factor 2	Number of persons in agreement (Score21)	Number of persons in agreement (Score22)	Number of persons in agreement (Score23)
Influencing factor 3	Number of persons in agreement (Score31)	Number of persons in agreement (Score32)	Number of persons in agreement (Score33)
…	…	…	…

and Equation (1).

$$Matrix=\left[\begin{array}{c}\begin{array}{ccc}\begin{array}{c}{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}}_{11}\\ {\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}}_{21}\\ \begin{array}{c}{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}}_{31}\\ \begin{array}{c}\dots \end{array}\end{array}\end{array}& \begin{array}{c}{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}}_{12}\\ {\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}}_{22}\\ \begin{array}{c}{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}}_{32}\\ \begin{array}{c}\dots \end{array}\end{array}\end{array}& \begin{array}{c}{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}}_{13}\\ {\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}}_{23}\\ \begin{array}{c}{\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}}_{33}\\ \begin{array}{c}\dots \end{array}\end{array}\end{array}\end{array}\end{array}\right]$$

(1)

Based on each influencing factor’s evaluation and weight values, matrix calculations were applied to obtain a comprehensive evaluation score for the project regarding user satisfaction, as shown in Equation (2).

$$f\left(x\right)=Matrix\ast Weight=\left[\begin{array}{c}\begin{array}{ccc}\begin{array}{c}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}11\\ \mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}21\\ \begin{array}{c}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}31\\ \begin{array}{c}\dots \end{array}\end{array}\end{array}& \begin{array}{c}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}12\\ \mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}22\\ \begin{array}{c}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}32\\ \begin{array}{c}\dots \end{array}\end{array}\end{array}& \begin{array}{c}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}13\\ \mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}23\\ \begin{array}{c}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}33\\ \begin{array}{c}\dots \end{array}\end{array}\end{array}\end{array}\end{array}\right]\ast \left[\begin{array}{c}\begin{array}{c}\mathrm{W}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{h}\mathrm{t} 1\\ \mathrm{W}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{h}\mathrm{t} 2\\ \begin{array}{c}\mathrm{W}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{h}\mathrm{t} 3\\ \begin{array}{c}\dots \end{array}\end{array}\end{array}\end{array}\right]$$

(2)

5. Practical Application

5.1. Background of the Case

Leveraging the advantages of ports and international cooperation, the Bingshan Group, Dalian, China, grew to become China’s largest refrigeration compressor manufacturer by the 1930s. In 2017, the Bingshan Group relocated its factories to the city suburbs for better growth opportunities. The old site, covering approximately 180,000 m² and containing more than 40 historic buildings, was preserved and transformed into a mixed-use venue that included sports facilities, shopping, exhibitions, dining, and more, renamed Bingshan Wisdom Park.

Dalian, as the core city and leading tourist destination in Liaoning Province—China’s province with the highest concentration of industrial heritage sites—serves as a model for industrial heritage regeneration. When integrated with the dynamics of a tourist city, multifunctional regeneration projects can more effectively collect user feedback and demonstrate the general applicability of evaluation methods. For this study, researchers conducted on-site interviews in August 2024. As August coincides with the summer vacation period and Dalian’s peak tourist season, it provided optimal conditions for gathering a diverse range of visitor insights. The varied architectural functions within Bingshan Wisdom Park subtly encourage visitors to draw comparisons, enabling them to offer more focused and meaningful reflections on their experiences [52].

Two key buildings stand out in the park: the Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall, repurposed from an old foundry workshop built in 1959 (Figure 1), and Xiongdong Street, a consumer entertainment area converted from a 10,000 m² former factory building (Figure 2). The Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall is an exhibition space dedicated to refrigeration compressors and the Bingshan Group’s corporate culture. The building has four large functional areas: a manufacturing equipment exhibition for science education and hands-on experiences, lecture rooms, a souvenir shop, and a café. Xiongdong Street is a vibrant indoor street combining culture, entertainment, food, and shopping, offering a unique cultural–commercial space with mechanical and punk-inspired aesthetics. The Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall and Xiongdong Street are the two most popular buildings within Bingshan Wisdom Park. The distinct functions of the two buildings also provide a platform to demonstrate the broader applicability of the evaluation methodology used in this study.

5.2. Interview Results for Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall

As outlined in the previous subsection, the interview methodology resulted in 84 valid questionnaires. The concerns and feedback shared by the visitors are summarized as follows:

Acceptance of industrial history: During the interviews, 56 respondents commented on compressor-manufacturing culture, making it the primary influencing factor for most. However, the feedback was inconsistent. For some, the technology behind refrigeration compressor manufacturing was seen as a highly specialized industrial system that may not resonate with everyone. Despite the exhibition hall’s use of multimedia explanations and interactive devices, many visitors described it as “too technical,” “too professional,” and “incomprehensible to children.” Our findings suggest that while some visitors were intrigued by the scientific aspects or were sentimental about the history of the region’s famous factory, others found engaging with this “overly technical” culture challenging.

Consumption: At the end of the tour, there is a fusion space featuring a souvenir shop and a café. Although this was the only consumer space in the building, half of the respondents were impressed. During the interview, respondents commented positively on the variety of souvenirs, the café’s industrial atmosphere, and cakes in the shape of mechanical parts. Eight respondents noted that they had visited the store to buy souvenirs and had visited the café multiple times. This unexpected outcome contradicted the stereotypical belief that museums primarily showcase exhibitions [53]. Undeniably, this marks a new development in small-scale industrial exhibitions.

Visual ambience: The red brick factory building from the 1950s preserved its original façade. Combined with large-scale machinery displays, the factory transports visitors back in time, as though it were not the preservation of a ruined site but a continuation where time has stood still. Thirty-two visitors commented on the project’s visual ambience. “Photo sharing on social media” and “visual shock of industrial style” were frequently mentioned by respondents. However, not everyone appreciated the industrial style, with four people describing the space as “depressing” due to its old machinery and dim lighting.

Inclusive design: The entrance to the building is on the first floor, while the exit is on the second. However, the building has no lift, making the transition between floors accessible only by the staircase. Although the researchers did not encounter wheelchair users, eight elderly respondents explicitly stated that there should be a lift to assist visitors with mobility challenges. This observation highlighted the importance of barrier-free design for public spaces in cities.

5.3. Interview Results for Xiongdong Street

The same survey method was used to collect feedback from visitors to Xiongdong Street, yielding a valid sample of 108 responses. Due to its different functions, Xiongdong Street places a greater emphasis on its commercial model, and the following aspects were of particular interest to visitors:

Accessibility: As the number of private cars has surged in rapidly developing China, parking difficulties have significantly hindered project accessibility. The project findings helped to identify several large parking lots, ensuring ample space to accommodate visitors’ parking needs. Moreover, located at the heart of Dalian, Bingshan Wisdom Park is surrounded by various communities and is served by more than 20 bus routes. Nearly one-third of respondents commented on accessibility, and all who mentioned this aspect rated it highly.

Amusement facilities: Amusement consumption is one of the main operating components of Xiongdong Street. Given the diverse needs of people from different backgrounds, feedback on the facilities was mixed, though most found them enjoyable. However, it was clear that many visitors felt the facilities were primarily geared toward children aged 5–15, making them less appealing to adults. Some adults who did not bring children described the amusement facilities as “boring” and “frustrating”.

Restaurants: Although not widely advertised, Xiongdong Street’s food court became a focal point for visitors due to its supporting role. Visitor preferences varied significantly. Ten respondents gave poor ratings for the food, citing high prices and a lack of regional specialties.

Space comfort: In the northeast of China, where winters can drop to −18 °C and summers can reach up to 32 °C [54], most buildings need air conditioning during specific seasons to maintain essential comfort. Xiongdong Street, transformed from an old mill, retains the vast space of the original plant, which contrasts with newer buildings that are efficiently designed with integrated equipment and modern space planning. As a result, eight respondents gave negative feedback regarding the temperature, stating it was too cold in winter and too hot in summer.

Hybrid culture: Unlike the exhibition hall that preserves historical industrial culture, Xiongdong Street showcases a hybrid culture primarily by fusing historical industrial buildings with modern mecha-style décor. Most visitors resonated with this concept. Twenty-two respondents enjoyed entertainment spaces featuring strong industrial-style decoration and historical period elements.

5.4. Construction and Calculation of FCE Method

Based on the feedback and corresponding evaluation levels, evaluation matrices for the two buildings in Bingshan Wisdom Park were constructed using the FCE method to calculate the overall results.

5.4.1. FCE for Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall

The evaluation factors were based on the four dimensions of visitors’ concerns. The respondents’ assessments obtained the membership of each factor’s assessment level (

Table 2. Evaluation and scoring for Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall.

	Satisfactory	Normal	Unsatisfactory
Acceptance of industrial history	42.86%	35.71%	21.43%
Consumption	90.90%	9.10%	0
Visual ambience	85.71%	14.29%	0
Inclusive design	0	50%	50%

). The weight percentage of each influencing factor was obtained based on the weights mentioned by the 84 respondents.

Table 3. Weight of the factors for Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall.

	Mentioned Times	Weight
Acceptance of industrial history	56 times	0.4117
Consumption	44 times	0.3235
Visual ambience	28 times	0.2059
Inclusive design	8 times	0.0589

presents the final collation of the evaluations and assignments.

According to the FCE equation, the calculation process and results of the comprehensive evaluation can be expressed as follows:

$$\left[\begin{array}{c}\begin{array}{ccc}\begin{array}{c}42.86\\ 90.90\\ \begin{array}{c}85.71\\ 0\end{array}\end{array}& \begin{array}{c}35.71\\ 9.10\\ \begin{array}{c}14.29\\ 50\end{array}\end{array}& \begin{array}{c}21.43\\ 0\\ \begin{array}{c}0\\ 50\end{array}\end{array}\end{array}\end{array}\right]\times \left[\begin{array}{c}\begin{array}{c}0.4117\\ 0.3235\\ \begin{array}{c}0.2059\\ 0.0589\end{array}\end{array}\end{array}\right]=(64.70 23.53 11.77)$$

The comprehensive evaluation results for the Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall are as follows: Satisfactory 64.70, Normal 23.53, and Unsatisfactory 11.77.

5.4.2. FCE for Xiongdong Street

Using the same data processing methods, the evaluation scores and weightings for Xiongdong Street were obtained (see

Table 4. Evaluation and scoring for Xiongdong Street.

	Satisfactory	Normal	Unsatisfactory
Accessibility	100%	0	0
Amusement facilities	58.82%	29.41%	11.77%
Restaurants	64%	16	20
Space comfort	0	63.64%	36.36%
Hybrid culture	72.73%	27.27%	0

and

Table 5. Weight of the factors for Xiongdong Street.

	Mentioned Times	Weight
Accessibility	28 times	0.1474
Amusement facilities	68 times	0.3578
Restaurants	50 times	0.2632
Space comfort	22 times	0.1158
Hybrid culture	22 times	0.1158

).

The final calculation process and results are presented in the following equation; the results are as follows: Satisfactory 61.05; Normal 25.26; Unsatisfactory 13.69.

$$\left[\begin{array}{ccc}100& 0& 0\\ 58.82& 29.41& 11.77\\ 64& 16& 20\\ 0& 63.64& 36.36\\ 72.73& 27.27& 0\end{array}\right]\times \left[\begin{array}{c}0.1474\\ 0.3578\\ 0.2632\\ 0.1158\\ 0.1158\end{array}\right]=(61.05 25.26 13.69)$$

5.5. Results and Discussion

The FCE method assesses various factors to provide an objective measure of user satisfaction. According to the principle of maximum membership, both buildings are considered satisfactory as the “Satisfactory” rating exceeds 60%, indicating that most users reported a positive experience. Specifically, the comprehensive ratings for the two projects were 64.70 for the Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall and 61.05 for Xiongdong Street. Figure 3 compares the comprehensive evaluation results of the two projects. Across the three evaluation levels—Satisfactory, Normal, and Unsatisfactory—the Exhibition Hall demonstrates greater user approval. Not only does it achieve a higher score at the “Satisfactory” level but it also performs better in minimizing negative feedback at the “Unsatisfactory” level.

A review of the evaluation process reveals some salient data that influenced the results of the comprehensive evaluation. This also enables decision makers to pinpoint problems in the operation of the project and make targeted improvements. Based on the statistical results of the interviews, the Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall received almost no satisfaction in terms of “inclusive design”. Although this factor carries a small weight, it is a crucial aspect of public cultural space in an urban setting. Addressing this shortcoming should be a key priority for future improvements. It is recommended that a lift be installed inside the building to assist individuals with mobility difficulties. For Xiongdong Street, “space comfort” is critical for future enhancement. Improving the internal temperature comfort of a large industrial building presents a significant challenge. Not only must we minimize damage to the heritage structure when installing air-conditioning equipment, but we must also consider energy efficiency and carbon emissions. Balancing these factors will be complex but essential in ensuring comfort and sustainability.

From a general perspective, visitor satisfaction is often positively correlated with the number or vibrancy of visitors. However, this assumption may not always hold true. A closer look at the two buildings in question reveals an interesting contrast: while Xiongdong Street attracts a significantly higher number of visitors, its satisfaction score is lower than that of the Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall. This discrepancy can be attributed to the differences in their functions and target audiences. For most visitors, Xiongdong Street’s dining, entertainment, and shopping offerings are more appealing, whereas the industrial culture education and exhibition functions of the Industrial Culture Exhibition Hall cater to a more niche audience. The exhibition showcasing Bingshan Group’s refrigeration compressor manufacturing culture and technology, for instance, may primarily resonate with locals or those with a specific interest in the industry. However, as a regeneration project of industrial heritage, preserving cultural and historical significance remains essential. This highlights the dilemma and challenge faced by many heritage regeneration projects: while cultural heritage must be safeguarded, it is equally important to introduce new functions that appeal to the public. Striking a balance between these two objectives is key to the success of such initiatives.

6. Conclusions

This study presents a comprehensive user satisfaction analysis framework, integrating research and data analysis through the FCE method. The proposed evaluation approach addresses key challenges in multifactor evaluation, including defining influencing factors, determining weights, and facilitating meaningful cross-project comparisons. By identifying both strengths and weaknesses, it provides valuable insights for future optimization.

This evaluation method’s strengths lie in its user-derived framework, where dimensions and weights are determined entirely by user concerns, eliminating researcher bias and ensuring broad applicability for public space assessments. By capturing project-specific user experience variations, the approach balances contextual factors while maintaining generalizability across diverse settings. The quantitative results yield actionable insights, as seen in the identified deficiencies, providing clear improvement priorities for the managing organization. Further, the method serves as a strategic decision-making tool for development positioning and resource allocation, particularly valuable for organizations overseeing multiple projects. Its built-in monitoring capability addresses a critical need: as public expectations evolve rapidly, continuous user-focused adaptation becomes essential for project viability. The framework not only diagnoses current issues but also establishes a responsive mechanism for sustaining long-term relevance in changing urban environments.

Although this study demonstrates the generalizability of industrial heritage regeneration across projects with varying focuses, it is limited by its concentration on a single case: Bingshan Wisdom Park. Future research will expand to include a broader range of regions and cases with varying durations of operation. By conducting user interviews and evaluations across diverse contexts, subsequent studies aim to gather more practical and robust data to validate and refine this assessment method. Ultimately, this will support the continuous improvement of industrial heritage projects in their post-regeneration phases.