Coupling and Coordination Relationship between Human Settlement Environments and Resident Demand: An Empirical Study from China

Abstract

The harmonious development of human settlement environments (HSEs) and resident demands (RD) contributes to the sustainable development of areas. However, few studies have focused on development-level evaluations and analyses of coupling coordination between the two. This study used a comprehensive evaluation index model and a coupling coordination degree model to measure the development level, coupling coordination degrees, and spatial characteristics of HSE and RD in 31 regions of China. The results display the following: (1) The developing degree of HSE and RD continued to improve, with spatial heterogeneity, whereas the development level of RD and the regional economy was positively correlated; (2) the degree of coupling between the two was relatively high, with high-level coupling areas accounting for 77%, and the coupling coordination level included a medium level and primary levels; (3) in the coupling and coordination relationship between subsystems, living needs > security requirements > respected needs > social needs > self-realization needs, and environmental safety > ecological environment. This study offered a new research perspective for the sustainable development of areas and put forward suggestions for promoting development.