This study aims to compare the differences in experience evaluation between obese people and the general population on seven types of spaces in urban parks, namely, exercise space, mobile space, water space, communication space, rest space, cultural s...
This study aims to compare the differences in experience evaluation between obese people and the general population on seven types of spaces in urban parks, namely, exercise space, mobile space, water space, communication space, rest space, cultural space, and green space, and to explore the factors that affect the differences in experience evaluation in terms of space use in urban parks. By investigating the opinions and suggestions of obese people and general people in urban parks, this study revealed that there were significant differences in 9 of the 13 evaluation factors. As urban parks gradually become the main exercise venues for urban residents, it is becoming increasingly important to pay attention to the experience and needs of obese people in urban parks.
First, based on previous research, urban parks were identified as research sites. Based on functionality, urban parks were divided into seven types of spaces: sports space, road space, water space, communication space, rest space, cultural space, and green space. As obesity has become increasingly serious and has become an important factor affecting the health of urban residents, obese people and ordinary people were identified as research subjects. Through literature review and factor analysis, 13 evaluation factors of the social, experiential, and structural forms of urban parks were sorted out: sociality, interactivity, inclusiveness, sense of exclusion, openness, connectivity, shelter, attention, rationality, immersion, fun, aesthetics, and restoration.
Second, a questionnaire survey was conducted, data was collected and an experimental analysis was conducted. The experiment showed that there were differences between obese people and the general population in seven types of urban park spaces, including sports space, road space, water space, communication space, rest space, cultural space, and green space. The research results showed that (1) there were significant differences in inclusiveness, exclusion, connectivity, and attention in sports space. (2) there were significant differences in rationality and aesthetics in mobile space. (3) there were significant differences in exclusion in water space. (4) there were significant differences in connectivity, immersion, and fun in communication space. (5) there were significant differences in attention and fun in rest space. (6) there were significant differences in rationality and fun in cultural space. (7) there were significant differences in sociality in green space.
Third, these research results show that the main reason for the difference in spatial experience of urban parks between obese people and ordinary people is personal attributes and deficiencies in spatial design. Therefore, it is proposed that in the design and operation of urban parks, spatial planning with different user characteristics should be considered, and specific opinions and suggestions should be put forward for the design and planning of future urban parks to promote the sustainable development of urban parks.