Overcoming Youth Online Isolation in China by Supporting Neighbourhood Community Interactions through Co-Created Outdoor Personal Spaces

Abstract

The fast pace of urban life, the high cost of living, and the complexity of interpersonal relationships are triggering social isolation among urban residential youths in China. Furthermore, online demand is causing social isolation due to a lack of physical human interactions which leads to poorer mental and physical health. Therefore, there is a need to get the youth generation to go offline to enjoy natural living and live healthily in society. A desktop survey was conducted as part of a larger study to improve community engagement in urban residential outdoor environments for youth. The results found offline community engagement could improve the well-being of young residents by taking advantage of its positive physical and mental effects. Using visual tools for exploring the functional and aesthetic landscape needs and motivation for co-creating personalized spaces in a residential community is proposed. After the introduction of the background problem, this proposal will present the literature survey results on youth generation in China, urban residential outdoor environment, and improved community engagement. This study contributes to the development of an offline community engagement model for youths in residential communities. The proposed model is expected to alleviate the current social isolation situation for the youth generation. Future studies are recommended to include the identification of key characteristics of the youth generation and the lifestyles they prefer, applications of the new co-design mode in the design phase, and application of new visual technology in landscape design practice.