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22 pages, 37991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Beijing Residents’ Lifestyles: Data-Driven Insights into Apartment Interior Design

by Feifei Liu, Yuzhe Wang and Qi An

Buildings 2025, 15(4), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15040576 - 13 Feb 2025

Viewed by 631

Abstract

The urbanization of Beijing has precipitated a shift in the design of living spaces, with the focus transitioning from the design of new houses to existing residential properties. The concept of the living environment is inherently multifaceted, evolving in response to societal and [...] Read more.

The urbanization of Beijing has precipitated a shift in the design of living spaces, with the focus transitioning from the design of new houses to existing residential properties. The concept of the living environment is inherently multifaceted, evolving in response to societal and lifestyle shifts. The employment of computer-assisted observation in acquiring lifestyle data about residential behavior circumvents the subjectivity inherent in questionnaires, thereby providing a novel approach to considering user behavior within the design process. This observational study utilizes video data collected by the Oriental Culture & Design Center, offering a comprehensive depiction of the daily lives of Beijing residents. The Noldus Observer XT program was utilized to encode and analyze the data, thereby facilitating the acquisition of insights into urban dwelling patterns in China. Over 14 days, 53,550 behavioral codes were recorded for six households, meticulously organized axially based on a 24 h cycle to capture the behavioral facts of living spaces. Through the synthesis of quantitative data analysis and qualitative observations, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the general lifestyle patterns exhibited by these urban residents. In addition, based on the insights gained, we propose four directions for the future design of living spaces. This comprehensive temporal dataset on living behaviors offers significant data support for design practitioners and researchers developing residential spaces. This study’s findings can optimize living environments for mental health and well-being by providing empirical data and design recommendations grounded in real-life observations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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26 pages, 6870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is the Children’s 15-Minute City an Effective Framework for Enhancing Children’s Health and Well-Being? An Empirical Analysis from Western China

by Xiao Wang, Jingping Huang, Zhengyou Qin, Wei Gan, Zhen He and Xiang Li

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020248 - 16 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1186

Abstract

Increasing attention is being directed toward understanding the impact of urban built environments on children’s health. The concept of the 15-minute city, or “15-minute life circle”, in China is significant; however, the needs of the pediatric population are often overlooked. Walkability and accessibility [...] Read more.

Increasing attention is being directed toward understanding the impact of urban built environments on children’s health. The concept of the 15-minute city, or “15-minute life circle”, in China is significant; however, the needs of the pediatric population are often overlooked. Walkability and accessibility to urban service facilities are crucial for promoting children’s well-being. This paper focuses on the old city of Guilin in western China as a case study. It investigates the service facilities within a 15-minute life circle that affect children’s physical health, mental health, and social engagement. Utilizing the Walking Index method, this study assesses the walkability and rationality of these facilities in 621 neighborhoods. Data were gathered from 200 questionnaires and interviews with children, concentrating on their daily use of these facilities, supplemented by a multi-source analysis. The findings reveal that the Walking Index in the study area is generally low, with an uneven distribution, primarily influenced by road network density, block size, and urban landscape patterns. This study proposes the development of a “Children’s Healthy 15-minute Life Circle”, which would increase child-friendly service facilities, pedestrian infrastructure, and urban road network density. It also advocates for constructing service facilities that enhance children’s health and the optimization of the spatial arrangement of these facilities. Furthermore, it suggests the effective utilization of urban landscapes to create a diverse system of leisure spaces for children. This study offers valuable insights for enhancing the walkability of urban life circle service facilities and establishing a child-friendly city. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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45 pages, 9737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Residential Care Facilities for Users with Alzheimer’s Disease: Characterisation of Their Architectural Typology

by Santiago Quesada-García, Pablo Valero-Flores and María Lozano-Gómez

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3307; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103307 - 19 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3236

Abstract

The design and construction of residences for persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been based on the recommendations of design guides, the results of empirical tests with samples of the population, and the experience of architects and planners. The reiteration of certain patterns, [...] Read more.

The design and construction of residences for persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been based on the recommendations of design guides, the results of empirical tests with samples of the population, and the experience of architects and planners. The reiteration of certain patterns, criteria, and guidelines has given rise to a new type of building that has not yet been explicitly described. The aim of this paper is to determine the main characteristics of this typology. This research is based on a critical review methodology, analysing 30 care homes built over the last four decades across various global contexts. Detailed surveys of plans, projects, and buildings were carried out, allowing a comparative analysis of the architectural attributes to determine the most influential parameters for these buildings. The results indicate that environments designed with safety, accessibility, and opportunities for social interaction in mind—and, above all, those that are personalised to the needs of this collective—significantly enhance the behaviour, emotional state, and cognitive state of their residents. The main theoretical contributions include identifying and stating the key features of this type, such as small scale, basic cell housing, comprehensible organisation, and sensory stimulation of spaces, among others. The breakthrough of this study that differentiates it from other works in this field is that it provides concrete guidelines to approach the planning, design, and construction of these kinds of residences. The significance of this research lies in the definition of this unique typology, which is not characterised by its morphology, shape, or formal composition but rather focused on promoting an adequate cognitive and physiological reception of the space by the users. This building concept has important management implications, as its construction must provide for and integrate specific care services in a residential setting for people with AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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22 pages, 2261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Link Between Social Media Engagement, Social Anxiety, and Environmental Preferences in University Students

by Lan Wang, Xia Zhang and Aolin Xie

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3284; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103284 - 17 Oct 2024

Viewed by 3090

Abstract

As mental health issues become increasingly prominent, social anxiety is prevalent among university students and significantly affects their social behaviors and environmental preferences. With the increasing reliance on social media, understanding how these behaviors shape preferences for physical social environments is crucial for [...] Read more.

As mental health issues become increasingly prominent, social anxiety is prevalent among university students and significantly affects their social behaviors and environmental preferences. With the increasing reliance on social media, understanding how these behaviors shape preferences for physical social environments is crucial for designing supportive campus spaces. This study investigates the relationship between social anxiety, social media usage, and environmental preferences in campus settings. We aim to identify the key environmental factors that can promote healthier social interactions for students with varying levels of social anxiety and social media use. Data were collected from university students through a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, online and offline behavior, social media usage intensity, social anxiety level, and environmental preferences. Using K-means clustering, participants were grouped into four clusters based on their social media usage and social anxiety levels. ANOVA and Multivariate Multiple Regression (MMR) were conducted to examine differences in environmental preferences across these clusters. Significant differences in environmental preferences were observed across the four clusters. Gender and grade influenced social anxiety levels, with females and undergraduate students reporting greater anxiety. Individuals with high social media use, regardless of their anxiety levels, generally exhibited stronger preferences for various environmental dimensions, including openness, convenience, facility provision, safety/comfort, and cultural landscape. However, individuals with higher social anxiety tended to prefer enclosed, facility-rich, and more controlled environments. The relationship between social anxiety and preferences for convenience, safety/comfort, and cultural landscape was minimal or non-significant. This study highlights the importance of considering both behavioral and psychological factors when designing university social environments. By identifying specific environmental preferences of students with high social anxiety, the findings offer evidence-based recommendations for creating more inclusive and supportive campus spaces that promote positive social interactions and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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22 pages, 258295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Age-Friendly Environment Design of High-Speed Railway Stations from a Healthy Ageing Perspective: A Case Implementation in Nanjing, China

by Ying Cao, Danming Li, Xuewen Gao, Shibo Bi, Kexin Yu and Di Zhou

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3280; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103280 - 16 Oct 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1702

Abstract

China stands out as one of the countries with the largest and fastest-growing elderly populations. Elderly requirements for the quality of high-speed railway stations environment are increasing. The relationship between the built environment of high-speed railway stations and elderly health has become an [...] Read more.

China stands out as one of the countries with the largest and fastest-growing elderly populations. Elderly requirements for the quality of high-speed railway stations environment are increasing. The relationship between the built environment of high-speed railway stations and elderly health has become an urgent problem to be solved. The challenge necessitates a systematic approach to age-friendly design. Based on the practical experience of the authors in an age-friendly design of an indoor environment at Nanjing South Railway Station, questionnaire surveys and user interviews were employed to profile four types of typical elderly passengers. Data collection methods were used to create behavior maps. (1) This study identifies the age-friendly needs of elderly passengers, pinpointing the key environment issues. (2) It proposes age-friendly design strategies for various functional areas of Nanjing South Railway Station. (3) It introduces an age-friendly module combination design system, which including basic type I, enhanced type II, and optimized type III, in order to meet the demands for six levels of high-speed railway stations in China. This study promotes the age-friendly transformation of environments at a high-speed railway station, offering theoretical foundations and methodological references for constructing an age-friendly environment from a healthy ageing perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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14 pages, 1070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Influence of the Perceived Neighborhood Built Environment on the Fall Risks among Older Adults in China

by Shichao Du, Chunyu Wang and Longjian Mao

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2631; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092631 - 25 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1866

Abstract

Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury-related deaths among older adults, with approximately 50% of them occurring in the neighborhood built environment. This longitudinal study investigated the influence of the perceived built environment (PBE) on fall risks among Chinese older adults residing [...] Read more.

Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury-related deaths among older adults, with approximately 50% of them occurring in the neighborhood built environment. This longitudinal study investigated the influence of the perceived built environment (PBE) on fall risks among Chinese older adults residing in neighborhoods. We utilized data from the 2018 and 2020 waves of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), comprising a sample size of 8686 respondents. A complementary log–log (cloglog) regression was used to effectively model falls because of their infrequent occurrence. The results revealed a significant U-shaped non-linear relationship between PBE and falls. As the PBE score increased from relatively low levels, there was a decrease in the probability of falls, indicating that enhancing PBE can effectively protect against fall risks. However, once an average PBE score threshold was reached (around a turning point score of 22), this association may slightly reverse. Living alone and living in urban areas are two major factors that increase the vulnerability of older adults to PBE, resulting in higher fall risks within their neighborhoods. The study enhances the understanding of how PBE affects fall risks among older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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20 pages, 6832 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health-Oriented Evaluation and Optimization of Urban Square Space Elderly Suitability: A Case Study of Yiyang City Center

by Yuhua Li and Hui Tang

Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2482; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082482 - 11 Aug 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1725

Abstract

Urban squares are the main place for older adults’ daily activities. The spatial layout of the urban square is not only related to the construction of a healthy city and the equitable distribution of public resources, but also of great significance in enhancing [...] Read more.

Urban squares are the main place for older adults’ daily activities. The spatial layout of the urban square is not only related to the construction of a healthy city and the equitable distribution of public resources, but also of great significance in enhancing the sense of gain, security, and happiness of older adults. This essay takes “health needs of older adults” as the perspective, and constructs a multi-dimensional evaluation index system of urban square space for elderly suitability in terms of physiological, psychological, and social health. It also takes six urban squares in Yiyang city center as an example and analyzes and evaluates them using GIS network analysis and the entropy weight method. The results of the study show that (1) Yiyang city center squares show the distribution characteristics of “dense in the middle and scattered around”, and the spatial distribution is not balanced, which leads to a small service area. (2) The overall intervention value of urban square space is mainly distributed between 0.291 and 0.710, with an average value of 0.481, and the overall intervention effect of the square is good. The reasons for differences in health interventions for older adults in urban square spaces centered on six aspects: the quality of the square space, the variety and convenience of travel lines, the tidiness of the environment, physical activities, safety, and social interaction. Based on this, this essay proposes three optimization strategies for the renewal of urban squares, the construction of characteristic squares, and the reconstruction of the urban square space system. The aim is to provide a reference for the future design and renewal of the elderly suitability of urban squares, so as to promote the construction of a healthy city. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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18 pages, 12376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Urban Community Street Environment Evaluation and Optimization Strategy under the Concept of a Healthy City: A Case Study of the Dingwangtai Area of Changsha City

by Yichi Zhang, Hui Tang, Kecheng Huo and Jiangfan Tang

Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2449; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082449 - 8 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1458

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) articulated a vision in 1986, hoping that countries around the world would actively promote the construction and development of healthy cities. In the context of China, a paradigm shift in urban development has been triggered by the deep [...] Read more.

The World Health Organization (WHO) articulated a vision in 1986, hoping that countries around the world would actively promote the construction and development of healthy cities. In the context of China, a paradigm shift in urban development has been triggered by the deep implementation of the Healthy China Strategy and the gradual completion of the comprehensive national spatial planning. This shift emphasizes a micro-level focus, advocating a human-centered approach to urban space exploration. In this paper, the Dingwangtai Area of Changsha City is selected as a case study. A street space health evaluation index system called “5D+” is constructed from six dimensions, namely, human perception, degree of mixing, density, distance to transit, destination accessibility, and devise. This research adopts the community as the fundamental unit of analysis, employing the Entropy-weighting TOPSIS method for the computation of indicators. The results of this study show that the Dingwangtai Area exhibits relative deficiencies in the dimensions of density, devise, and destination accessibility. Specifically, at the community level, the Ma Wang Street Community and the Fanhou Street Community have scored particularly low. In response, this paper proposes targeted measures and detailed recommendations aimed at optimizing the design of the street, enhancing the human experience, enriching functional attributes, and refining the street network. The ultimate goal is to propose a Healthy Streets Evaluation Index System based on the concept of a healthy city and to explore its relationship with healthy streets so as to provide valuable insights for the development of healthy city streets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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33 pages, 22443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Adaptability Research of Vernacular Dwellings in Jiangxi Based on Numerical Simulation—An Example from Nanfeng County

by Zhiyi Zhou, Yuxuan Xu, Cheng Ouyang, Mengyao Gui, Wanping Jiang, Chunlei Zhou, Kai Ma, Jiaxin Zhang and Jingyong Huang

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2211; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072211 - 18 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1282

Abstract

Energy conservation and carbon reduction in buildings have become important concerns and, at the same time, the value of low-tech approaches employed in indigenous architecture is increasingly acknowledged as a pertinent reference for contemporary design practices. The research on vernacular dwellings in Jiangxi [...] Read more.

Energy conservation and carbon reduction in buildings have become important concerns and, at the same time, the value of low-tech approaches employed in indigenous architecture is increasingly acknowledged as a pertinent reference for contemporary design practices. The research on vernacular dwellings in Jiangxi has many perspectives and fruitful results, but not enough attention has been paid to the research on climate adaptation. This article verifies the vernacular dwellings’ climate adaptation and summarizes the low-tech methods embedded in vernacular dwellings, aiming to provide guidelines for future exploration of energy-saving and carbon-reducing practices in architecture. By selecting different types of vernacular dwellings in Nanfeng County, this article verifies three aspects of the ecological characteristics of vernacular dwellings: the light environment, wind environment, and energy consumption, by comparing them with those of local modern residential buildings. It is concluded that the average daylight factor of the hall area of vernacular dwellings is better than that of the modern residential buildings in rural areas, and the vernacular dwellings regulate the indoor wind environment and maintain indoor comfort through natural ventilation in winter and summer seasons. Also, the annual energy consumption of the vernacular dwellings per unit area per year can be reduced by up to about 32% in comparison with modern residential buildings. Subsequently, the article concludes that patio space has a positive impact on the indoor physical environment through comparative experiments. Vernacular dwellings are well adapted to the local climate in terms of form, structure, and materials, and these low-tech methods should be applied to the design of rural dwellings in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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18 pages, 5200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on the Universal Design of Signage Size and Brightness Contrast for Low Vision Individuals

by Erke Zhang, Wei Zhao, Zihan Mei, Zhexi Yang, Fei Chen, Yuanyuan Xia and Yihan Wang

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2063; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072063 - 5 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2025

Abstract

Signage is an important medium for individuals to obtain spatial environmental information conveniently and accurately. However, most previous studies focus on signage design for individuals with normal vision, neglecting the specific requirements of those with low vision. Therefore, these signage designs lacking universality [...] Read more.

Signage is an important medium for individuals to obtain spatial environmental information conveniently and accurately. However, most previous studies focus on signage design for individuals with normal vision, neglecting the specific requirements of those with low vision. Therefore, these signage designs lacking universality restrict the activities of individuals with low vision in public spaces and increase their risks. This study aims to conduct quantitative research on signage size and brightness contrast for low vision individuals. A virtual simulation experimental platform investigated how individuals interpret and react to signage. Two sets of experiments were carried out in Tianjin Key Laboratory of Healthy Habitat and Smart Technology to evaluate the effects of signage size and brightness contrast on response time and accuracy among a total of 139 participants. The results showed that the signage size should be at least 7% of the reading distance to meet the wayfinding needs of low vision individuals. The impact of contrast on wayfinding was strongly dependent on signage size. This research provides valuable insights into the design of signage for low vision individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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14 pages, 6409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Design Strategies of Public Outdoor Spaces in Government Centers from a Health Perspective

by Yilin Wang, Wenjun Peng, Yanyan Huang, Tiancheng Yang, Xinyu Du, Xinyan Wang, Zhengming Zhang and Liang Zhu

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1505; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061505 - 23 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

This study delves into an investigation of urban public outdoor spaces (POSs) from a health-oriented perspective, recognizing varied health needs encompassing physical, psychological, social, and environmental aspects. In this study, POSs of two typical government service centers (GSCs) were analyzed based on their [...] Read more.

This study delves into an investigation of urban public outdoor spaces (POSs) from a health-oriented perspective, recognizing varied health needs encompassing physical, psychological, social, and environmental aspects. In this study, POSs of two typical government service centers (GSCs) were analyzed based on their structure, user demographics, and user satisfaction, revealing several problems with the current GSC POS designs. To address these problems, principles for GSC POS design were proposed for natural, playing, and social spaces and applied to redesign the Wuchang GSC. Firstly, through on-site surveys, questionnaire surveys, and data analysis, the existing problems in promoting residents’ health in the GSC POSs were revealed, such as the insufficient greening of natural spaces, lack of interest in playing spaces, and unreasonable design of the scale of social spaces. Based on the above analysis, a health design optimization principle based on Maslow’s theory is proposed. Firstly, improvement solutions were proposed and implemented for green spaces, such as using more diversified natural elements, zone differentiation, and landscape improvements to promote the health of users. Secondly, the leisure and sports needs of different age groups can be met simultaneously by diversifying the layout and functional settings of playing spaces. Finally, public spaces suitable for social interaction were redesigned to promote the psychological health of citizens in social activities by optimizing the scale of communication spaces. The proposed design optimization strategies for GSCs not only provide theoretical support for the healthy design of POSs but also provide useful references for the healthy development of urban public spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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34 pages, 7101 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Dementia Nursing Homes in South Korea: Lessons from German Building Standards

by Soo In Jee

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051427 - 15 May 2024

Viewed by 2328

Abstract

South Korea is an aging society with a rapidly increasing number of people with dementia. In that context, this study aimed to compare dementia nursing home building standards in South Korea and Germany, based on the minimum physical and architectural requirements specified by [...] Read more.

South Korea is an aging society with a rapidly increasing number of people with dementia. In that context, this study aimed to compare dementia nursing home building standards in South Korea and Germany, based on the minimum physical and architectural requirements specified by both countries’ relevant laws, to gain insights into improving South Korean building standards. I examined South Korea’s Welfare of Senior Citizens Act and its Enforcement Regulations, and Germany’s Federal Nursing Home Act (HeimG), Regulation on Minimum Standards for Nursing Homes (HeimMindBauV), and the corresponding state regulations. The analysis revealed differences regarding the basic requirements, facility sizes, composition of necessary rooms, and detailed regulations pertaining to these rooms. South Korea emphasized autonomy, including barrier-free and compensatory environments, as well as safety and security. Meanwhile, Germany enhanced similar aspects of autonomy to those in South Korea, including the barrier-free standard DIN 18040-2. Additionally, Germany incorporated features such as familiarity, sensory stimulation, legibility, and social interaction, reflecting aspects that offer orientational cues for autonomy. Improving South Korean building standards requires stronger regulations on the autonomy of individuals with dementia. Further, additional regulations on familiarity, sensory stimulation, legibility, and social interactions should be considered. The results provide foundational data for cross-national comparisons to establish building standards for dementia-friendly built spaces in dementia nursing homes in South Korea. Further surveys on spatial utilization, discussions, and the application of proposed improvements in Korea would contribute to enhancing the dementia-friendly nursing home design in the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

21 pages, 5624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applicability of Vegetation to Reduce Traffic-Borne PM2.5 Concentration in Roadside User Zones in Hot Arid Climates: The Case of Central Doha, Qatar

by Soujanya Mogra and Mohd Faris Khamidi

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051388 - 13 May 2024

Viewed by 1626

Abstract

The ‘Beautification of Roads and Parks in Qatar’ is an urban development project that intends to provide space for exercising in roadside greenery in central Doha due to a lack of accessible open spaces. Considering the potential health risks associated with inhaling traffic-borne [...] Read more.

The ‘Beautification of Roads and Parks in Qatar’ is an urban development project that intends to provide space for exercising in roadside greenery in central Doha due to a lack of accessible open spaces. Considering the potential health risks associated with inhaling traffic-borne PM2.5, this study investigated the efficacy of four common road vegetation scenarios in reducing traffic-borne PM2.5 concentration in roadside user zones using ENVI-met. It examined Spearman’s rank correlation between air temperature, relative humidity, traffic emission rate, and PM2.5 concentration in roadside user zones. Based on the results, (1) hedgerows lower PM2.5 concentrations in roadside user zones, while trees significantly increase the concentration. (2) There is a strong association between air temperature and relative humidity and the PM2.5 concentration. The PM2.5 concentration decreases as air temperature increases but it increases as relative humidity increases. (3) There is a moderately negative association between the traffic emission rate and the PM2.5 concentration; however, this association is not found to be statistically significant. The ENVI-met simulation showed a slight overestimation of PM2.5 concentration compared to the wind tunnel simulation. These findings provide insight into planning road vegetation to reduce traffic-borne PM2.5 in roadside user zones in the local hot arid climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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18 pages, 16408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Impact of Campus Landscape Visual Elements Combination on Short-Term Stress Relief among College Students: A Case from China

by Hui He, Tong Zhang, Qinghao Zhang, Sheng Rong, Yihe Jia and Fengqian Dong

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051340 - 9 May 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2400

Abstract

Although the effect of campus landscape space on stress relief among college students has been confirmed, few existing studies have considered the impact on stress recovery from the perspective of factor combination, and the key visual elements and the most effective combination of [...] Read more.

Although the effect of campus landscape space on stress relief among college students has been confirmed, few existing studies have considered the impact on stress recovery from the perspective of factor combination, and the key visual elements and the most effective combination of visual elements to relieve stress are still unclear. This study attempts to conduct a natural experiment within Chinese campuses, measuring physiological indicators of stress such as heart rate (HR), frequency domain index of heart rate variability (LF/HF), skin conductance level (SCL), skin temperature (SKT), and respiratory rate (RESP) using physiological instruments. It explored the effects of visual elements and their combinations in campus landscape spaces on short-term stress relief among college students through semantic segmentation, multifactorial analysis of variance, and post hoc multiple comparison methods. Research results demonstrate that the presence of water elements in the field of vision can effectively improve the stress relief effects of landscape spaces. Reasonable combinations of natural landscape elements and artificial landscape elements in the design can also effectively promote stress relief among students. Building facade area and sky area, water area and sky area, and plant species and pavement area are three combinations of factors with the strongest interactive effects. “Natural water scenery” and “exquisite artificial” are two campus landscape design patterns most conducive to short-term stress relief. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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20 pages, 3562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Density Communities and Infectious Disease Vulnerability: A Built Environment Perspective for Sustainable Health Development

by Yue Hu, Ziyi Lin, Sheng Jiao and Rongpeng Zhang

Buildings 2024, 14(1), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010103 - 30 Dec 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4478

Abstract

High-density communities have proliferated globally during rapid urbanization. They are characterized by a high population density and limited per capita public spaces, making them susceptible to infectious disease risks. The impact of infectious diseases in these communities, as evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, [...] Read more.

High-density communities have proliferated globally during rapid urbanization. They are characterized by a high population density and limited per capita public spaces, making them susceptible to infectious disease risks. The impact of infectious diseases in these communities, as evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores their vulnerabilities. Yet, research on disease prevention in high-density areas remains limited. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the built environment and the transmission of infectious diseases in high-density urban communities, with a particular focus on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing Shenzhen city as a case study, this study collected data on the built environment and epidemic trends and involved a generalized linear regression analysis, aiming to understand the key built environment factors that affect epidemic spread in high-density areas. The results from the study revealed that high-density communities experience higher rates of infectious disease transmission compared to their medium- to low-density counterparts. The significant factors identified include land use mixture and walkability, with land use mixture showing the most substantial impact on infection rates. Through a combination of qualitative analysis and empirical research, we constructed a conceptual framework linking containment measures, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and the built environment. The findings emphasize the significance to focus on the health development of high-density communities and offer valuable insights for tailored urban planning and built environment design. These insights are crucial for promoting the healthy and sustainable transformation of existing high-density communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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19 pages, 10828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Simulation of Street Canyon Morphology and Microclimate in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Zone

by Zhiyi Zhou, Pengfei Wang, Jun Deng, Cheng Ouyang, Yuxuan Xu, Wanping Jiang and Kai Ma

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2433; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102433 - 25 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1482

Abstract

The design of street canyons has become a focus of attention under the requirements of high-quality urban modernization, while existing research has gradually broken through the basic norms of aesthetic design to include ecological considerations. However, it is only in recent decades that [...] Read more.

The design of street canyons has become a focus of attention under the requirements of high-quality urban modernization, while existing research has gradually broken through the basic norms of aesthetic design to include ecological considerations. However, it is only in recent decades that relevant research has been carried out in super and super-large cities in China. In this article, we take Nanchang, one of the largest cities in China, as an example, and use ENVI-met software (v5.5.1.) to simulate and analyze the street canyon of the city. Certain measurements were made and verified to compare the microclimatic conditions of street canyons at different scales. The relationship between street canyon morphology and outdoor thermal comfort was explored in terms of near-surface air temperature, wind speed, and thermal comfort indicators. The results show that there is a high correlation between the morphology of street canyons, such as orientation, aspect ratio interface continuity, and outdoor thermal comfort. Therefore, starting from adjusting the morphological characteristics of street canyons, practical suggestions can be provided for urban planners to guide the sustainable development of contemporary cities and improve the comfort of urban street spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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Review

Jump to: Research

31 pages, 4945 KiB

Open AccessReview

Healing Spaces Improve the Well-Being of Older Adults: A Systematic Analysis

by Xinyue Yan and Tao Geng

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092701 - 29 Aug 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3271

Abstract

As the global population ages, improving health statuses and quality of life has become crucial. Healing spaces enhance older adults’ (OA) physical and mental health and well-being. However, the current research status and development trends must be systematically reviewed to guide future research [...] Read more.

As the global population ages, improving health statuses and quality of life has become crucial. Healing spaces enhance older adults’ (OA) physical and mental health and well-being. However, the current research status and development trends must be systematically reviewed to guide future research directions. This study systematically examines the role of healing spaces in improving the health and well-being of OA through a bibliometric analysis. Results reveal three developmental stages: slow start, steady development, and in-depth refinement. Highly cited articles emphasize physical and environmental factors. The main research foundations encompass physical, chemical, biological, and ecological aspects of healing spaces and OA mental health. The research frontier is shifting towards a more comprehensive understanding of OA needs. Keyword analysis indicates a transition from a single physical environment focus to a holistic approach considering psychological, social, and spiritual needs across various disciplines. The field is progressing toward interdisciplinary integration, personalized demand, and systematic development. Future research should prioritize OA spiritual needs, develop scientific evaluation systems for spiritual healing, optimize personalized treatment environments using innovative technologies, and address diverse health and well-being needs. Strengthening international cooperation and integrating global research efforts are also essential for advancing the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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38 pages, 22880 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Research Progress on the Impact of Urban Street Environments on Physical Activity: A Comparison between China and Developed Countries

by Yu Wen, Bingbing Liu, Yulan Li and Lin Zhao

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1779; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061779 - 13 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2379

Abstract

Creating healthy street environments to encourage physical activity is an effective strategy against non-communicable diseases exacerbated by rapid urbanization globally. Developing countries face more significant health challenges than developed ones. However, existing research predominantly focuses on the perspective of developed countries. To address [...] Read more.

Creating healthy street environments to encourage physical activity is an effective strategy against non-communicable diseases exacerbated by rapid urbanization globally. Developing countries face more significant health challenges than developed ones. However, existing research predominantly focuses on the perspective of developed countries. To address the health challenges in developing nations, studies should not only draw on the findings from developed countries but also clearly define unique research processes and pathways. Consequently, this study conducts a comparative analysis between China, representing developing countries, and developed nations, using databases like China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WOS) and tools such as Citespace, Bicomb, and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to explore research hotspots, developmental trajectories, thematic categories, and trends. The findings reveal a shift in developed countries from macro-material to micro-environmental elements under multidisciplinary scrutiny, while future topics may include street space evaluations and psychological healing. In China, research has been dominated by different disciplines at various stages, starting with medical attention to chronic disease prevention, which then shifted to traffic engineering’s focus on constructing green travel environments, and finally expanded to disciplines like landscape architecture examining the impact of street environment elements on pedestrian behavioural perceptions. Future themes will focus on promoting elderly health and urban health transport systems. Generally, research in developed countries exhibits a “bottom-up” approach, with practical issues at a “post-evaluation” stage, primarily based on the “socio-ecological model” and emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration. Chinese research shows a “top-down” characteristic, driven by national policies and at a “pre-planning” stage, integrating theories such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and attention restoration theory, with relatively loose disciplinary cooperation. Overall, research is shifting from macro to human-centric scales and is progressively utilizing multi-source and multi-scale big data analysis methods. Based on this, future research and development recommendations are proposed for developing countries, with China as a representative example. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Healthy Environment Design in Urban Development)

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