Spatial Representation of Community Shared Spaces Preferred by Residents

Abstract

Accessibility is the most important element for creating a successful and robust environmental condition to enhance community vitality and health. In the era of diversity where all residents need to be respected, finding the optimal group in providing shared spaces is essential for satisfying residents to the greatest extent. Shared spaces considered here are those for general residents and for the elderly residents. In this context, this study intended to compare space arrangement preferences of three different age groups for creating a community with diverse shared facilities. Online questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from residents in their 30s, 40s and 50s; and individual interviews of residents in their 60s and 70s. F-test and MDS with PROXSCAL method were carried out to achieve spatial map where various shared spaces were allocated in the most adequate way. As a result, the spatial configuration preferred by the three age groups was found to be different and details of those differences were identified. These results from scientific empirical analysis will be useful to explore a community agreement; providing solutions for the community location that would satisfy the potential users to the greatest extent, thereby promoting a socially integrated community for all ages.