Needs Hierarchy for Public Service Facilities and Guidance-Control Programming in Small Chinese Towns Influenced by Complex Urbanization of Residents: The Evidence from Zhejiang

Abstract

Due to the rapid urbanization of China, residential areas and residents in small towns exhibit dual and complex urbanization patterns and characteristics. The “one-size-fits-all” approach to programming public service facilities has led to inefficient use of idle facilities and the frequent use of facilities that are not integrated into the public service system. Therefore, an investigation of programming logic based on residents’ needs within the complex urbanization patterns and characteristics of small towns is urgently required. This study distinguishes between rural and nonrural facilities, using the Kano model to evaluate residents’ hypothetical satisfaction with the provision of facilities or lack thereof. Based on the “rural and nonrural” facility need coupling model, four stages of urbanization were identified. Using the Better–Worse coefficient and the chi-square test, this study analyzes residents’ cognitive needs and population attributes across various stages of urbanization. Moreover, the study examines the “residential area–resident facility” matching relationship. Ultimately, a “required + optional item” public service facility guidance-control system based on the matching of human–land urbanization is proposed to improve the current programming system for public service facilities. This system provides a theoretical basis for improving the public service level in small towns and ensuring optimally relevant regulations.