중국 근린공원 공간 디자인 특성 연구 - 노인 건강 증진 행동을 중심으로- = Spatial Design Characteristics of Neighborhood Parks in China: Focusing on Health Promotion Behaviors of the Elderly

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

(Research Background and Purpose) With the acceleration of population aging and the growing international concern over elderly health issues, neighborhood parks play a crucial role in enhancing both health outcomes and quality of life in later years. In China, however, existing park design still tends to prioritize the aesthetic improvement of green landscapes, often neglecting the spatial needs that directly support health-promoting behaviors among older adults. Such a gap is particularly significant in medium-sized cities, where planning resources are often limited and academic attention has been insufficient. This study therefore investigates the spatial design characteristics and optimization strategies of Chinese neighborhood parks, with a particular focus on how they can may better facilitate elderly health behaviors and contribute to more inclusive urban environments. (Method) Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory, a “space–behavior” relational model was established to conceptualize the interaction between environmental features and individual behavioral outcomes. A synthesis of previous studies was conducted to categorize types of health-promoting behaviors and to summarize the corresponding spatial requirements. Based on this foundation, behavior-centered design criteria were formulated, and an analytical framework for evaluating case studies was developed. Five representative neighborhood parks in medium-sized Chinese cities were selected, and both field investigations and spatial analyses were conducted. These methods allowed for a detailed assessment of design conditions, spatial affordances, and their alignment with elderly users’ health-related needs. (Results) The findings reveal that current neighborhood park designs in China fall short of adequately addressing the requirements of health-promoting behaviors among older adults. In particular, deficiencies were observed in aspects of safety, professional guidance and support, and the clarity of wayfinding systems. Such shortcomings stem primarily from insufficient consideration of age-related physiological and cognitive changes as well as from a general lack of awareness of behavior-centered design principles within the planning process. (Conclusions) This study proposes a set of design criteria and detailed spatial strategies centered on elderly health-promoting behaviors. Through case analysis, it clarifies both the strengths and limitations of current neighborhood park design in China. Future improvements should prioritize clear structural organization, the integration of multifunctional spaces for social interaction and physical activity, the enhancement of orientation systems to improve clarity and legibility, and the reinforcement of barrier-free facilities and safe lighting. Beyond specific recommendations, the study underscores the necessity of shifting from purely aesthetic approaches toward functionally supportive and behavior-oriented spatial frameworks. In doing so, it provides valuable theoretical grounding and practical reference for advancing elderly-centered design of neighborhood parks.