Community Green Spaces Research Articles

Evaluating Policy Shifts on Perceived Greenspace Quality: Applying Regression Discontinuity During the COVID-19 Reopening Period

Abstract: Urban greenspaces have been essential in supporting residents’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly under strict lockdown measures. However, the impact of changing containment policies on residents’ perceived greenspace quality remains insufficiently explored. This study utilized online survey data collected between 11 October and 29 December 2022, in Shanghai, coinciding with the major policy shift on 5 December 2022. A probability proportionate to size sampling was adopted to survey residents aged 18 and above who had lived in the city for at least six months, yielding a total of 577 valid responses. We assessed residents’ perceived greenspace quality using 20 park- and community-level variables, focusing on both overall quality and specific features of greenspaces. A regression discontinuity design (RDD) was applied to evaluate how the lifting of the COVID-19 policies influenced residents’ perceptions of parks and community greenspaces. Our RDD estimation indicates no statistically significant change in residents’ overall perceived quality of parks after the policy shift, except for increased satisfaction with specific features such as plant diversity, maintenance, seating areas, trails, and large open spaces. In contrast, residents who responded after the policy shift reported a significantly higher perceived quality of community greenspaces compared to those who completed the survey before the shift (0.609 score difference, p < 0.01), with notable increases in satisfaction regarding plant diversity, maintenance, and seating areas. Perception of plant quantity remained unchanged in both types of greenspaces. Residents expressed greater satisfaction with sports facilities in parks, while community greenspaces were preferred for their water features and esthetic qualities. By adopting an RDD with a unique dataset, this study contributes empirical evidence to the current ongoing debate on the role of urban greenspace during the later stages of COVID-19. Specifically, it examines how changes in public health policy and the resulting increase in mobility might affect residents’ perceived greenspace quality. The findings can assist decision-makers and urban planners in developing more adaptive strategies to address the diverse needs of residents for greenspaces during the transitional period of a public health crisis.

Landscape Design Strategies for Healthy Aging-in-Place in Communities: Case Studies from Suzhou, China

As the global population ages, the World Health Organization promotes “Healthy Aging” to enhance the quality of life for the elderly. In China, with its substantial aging population, the “9073” elderly care mode, which prioritizes community-based care, was implemented in 2011. However, the specific needs of elderly residents in different climatic and cultural contexts are often overlooked. This study addresses this gap by examining how community green space design can support healthy aging, using Suzhou as a case study due to its significant elderly population. This research examines the relationship between community environments, elderly needs, and behaviors. Our findings reveal that elderly residents have complex needs, seeking safety, comfort, health, social interaction, and spiritual richness simultaneously. A mismatch was observed between their stated preferences for features like seating and shade and their actual usage patterns, suggesting that existing green spaces may not fully meet their needs. This study underscores the importance of incorporating both expressed preferences and proactive design strategies to enhance the healthy benefit of community green spaces. These insights support the “Healthy China 2030” strategy and promote the well-being of elders, contributing to sustainable urban regeneration.

Exploring the Potential Relationship between Cooling Green Space and Built-up area: Analysis of Community Green Space Characteristics Based on GWPCA

Rapid urbanization exacerbates urban heat island (UHI) problem. Although urban green space (UGS) can produce multiple benefits for mitigating UHI, the accompanying problems of urban development cause multiple pressures on greenery. Therefore, the pattern of green spaces should be adjusted to adapt to the current situation of the built-up area, fully utilizing its cooling effect, which is of great significance for achieving sustainable and balanced urban development. We selected 849 community units in Harbin city for the study, calculated the urban green space pattern index (UGSP) based on geographically weighted principal component analysis (GWPCA), And used bivariate choropleth map and Cartesian coordinate system to explore the spatial relationship between UGSP and associated characteristics of urbanization (e.g., land function diversity and development intensity). The results showed the following. (1) Compared with traditional PCA, GWPCA can capture local details of UGSP, especially proportion of tree area was the most sensitive factor in the urban core area, and FRAC_MN and LSI were the sensitive factors in the west and south of urban outer areas, respectively. (2) The matching degree between development intensity (I) and UGSP was slightly better than that between land function diversity (D) and UGSP, and showed a more egalitarian phenomenon. (3) The equilibrium value (dLow) presented a relatively random spatial distribution when UGSP was less than D/I, and the unbalanced value (dHigh) was scattered in the core area. Both dLow and dHigh were concentrated outside the urban core area when UGSP was greater than D/I. Our study provides an effective guidance for community greenery to mitigate UHI and realize the harmonious coexistence between city and nature.

Study on the elderly's perception of microclimate and activity time in residential communities

The significance of outdoor environment is increasingly being recognized, particularly for the elderly. Using residential community green spaces is beneficial for their physical and mental health. This study aims to explore the thermal comfort, usage patterns, and microclimate preferences of the elderly through environmental factors and demographic information. Field measurements and questionnaire surveys were conducted across 19 residential communities in 3 cities within Building Climate Zone II in China during the summer. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were employed to examine various factors related to the elderly's thermal comfort, duration of activity, and microclimate preferences. The study revealed that elderly residents in communities of various types experience different thermal comfort levels and have different durations of activity and preferences for microclimates. In addition, elderly adults with longer activity durations are less likely to prefer windless, drier, and more sunlight environments in the summer. Built environmental factors, personal factors, and features of public facilities were also found to have an impact on thermal comfort and activity. These empirical findings provide urban planners with insights to better cater to the needs of the elderly in residential area design, emphasizing the importance of considering thermal comfort and microclimate preferences in the planning process.

“Unfenced” parks and residents’ visit patterns: A regression discontinuity design in Shanghai

Parks have evolved into essential urban sanctuaries, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While previous studies have investigated the impact of lockdown measures on park visitation, limited attention has been given to the impacts of sudden easing of containment measures, especially the “unfencing” of parks in densely populated cities. Employing a regression discontinuity design (RDD), this study analyzes changes in park visitation behaviors among Shanghai residents (N=563) following the policy relaxation. We focus on three key aspects: visitation behavior, choice of park types, and activities undertaken within public parks compared to gated community greenspaces. The results reveal a short-term decrease in visits to nearby parks, reduced public transit use, and shorter travel times. This trend was accompanied by a reduction in visitation to various park types, especially larger ones, with waterfront greenspaces being an exception. However, visit frequency and duration remained unchanged. A significant decrease in exercise and enjoying weather was observed in both parks and community greenspaces. Additionally, there was a noticeable reduction in activities like playing with children, nature appreciation, specifically within community greenspaces. These findings extend our understanding of urban residents' engagement with greenspaces in a transitioning post-pandemic context, providing valuable insights in managing greenspaces during and after public health crises.

Optimizing community green roof spaces in high-density cities: a K-modes clustering algorithm based analysis of resident preferences and spatial configuration

ABSTRACT Green roofs are an important part of the ecological system in high-density cities and a crucial component of community public green spaces. Analyzing preferences of residents during spatial planning can help improve their satisfaction and efficiency in using community rooftop spaces. This study uses K-modes algorithm to perform cluster analysis on questionnaires from 699 residents, and summarizes user profiles with significant characteristics by combing the comprehensive ratings of residents regarding different roof space functions. The study shows that differences in preferences among people are not only related to demographic characteristics but also to their interests and environmental perceptions. For example, low-to-middle-income groups, being price-sensitive, tend to reduce energy consumption expenditure. The highly educated population, driven by social needs, shows a clear preference for activity spaces and sports facilities. The elderly population, emphasizing healthy eating and rural memories, gives higher ratings to agricultural spaces. Finally, this study explores the correlation between certain resident characteristics and their preferences for green roof space functions, and proposes a “1+X” spatial configuration strategy dominated by Landscape Leisure Space, with Ecological Low-carbon Space, Agricultural Production Space, and Activity Gathering Space as options, in order to optimize community green roof spaces guided by resident needs.

Are Pathogenic Leptospira Species Ubiquitous in Urban Recreational Parks in Sydney, Australia?

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the spirochete bacteria Leptospira spp. From December 2017 to December 2023, a total of 34 canine leptospirosis cases were reported in urban Sydney, Australia. During the same spatio-temporal frame, one locally acquired human case was also reported. As it was hypothesised that human residents and companion dogs might both be exposed to pathogenic Leptospira in community green spaces in Sydney, an environmental survey was conducted from December 2023 to January 2024 to detect the presence of pathogenic Leptospira DNA in multipurpose, recreational public parks in the council areas of the Inner West and City of Sydney, Australia. A total of 75 environmental samples were collected from 20 public parks that were easily accessible by human and canine visitors. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) testing targeting pathogenic and intermediate Leptospira spp. was performed, and differences in detection of Leptospira spp. between dog-allowed and dog-prohibited areas were statistically examined. The global Moran's Index was calculated to identify any spatial autocorrelation in the qPCR results. Pathogenic leptospires were detected in all 20 parks, either in water or soil samples (35/75 samples). Cycle threshold (Ct) values were slightly lower for water samples (Ct 28.52-39.10) compared to soil samples (Ct 33.78-39.77). The chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test results were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05 for both water and soil samples), and there was no spatial autocorrelation detected in the qPCR results (p > 0.05 for both sample types). Although further research is now required, our preliminary results indicate the presence of pathogenic Leptospira DNA and its potential ubiquity in recreational parks in Sydney.

Research on Post-Use Evaluation of Community Green Space Rectification Based on a Multi-Dimensional Perception System: A Case Study of Jiayuan Sanli Community in Beijing

Community green spaces (CGSs) constitute a crucial element of urban land use, playing a pivotal role in maintaining the stability of urban ecosystems and enhancing the overall quality of the urban environment. Through the post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of green spaces, we can gain insights into residents’ actual needs and usage habits, providing scientific evidence for the planning, design, and management of green spaces. This ensures that CGSs better meet residents’ needs and improve their quality of life. The POE of CGSs relies heavily on high-precision data support. However, the current POE system for CGSs faces challenges, such as limited data collection methods, incomplete indicator systems, and excessive manual involvement. To address these limitations in data collection, this study proposes a comprehensive, dynamically monitored, objective, and sustainable POE system for CGSs. This system incorporates a multi-dimensional perception system that integrates the Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors to collect data from various sources. It establishes an evaluation framework from the perspectives of policy guidance and usage needs for CGSs, utilizing neural network systems and artificial intelligence techniques to compute the evaluation results. Using the Jiayuan Sanli Community in Beijing as a case study, this paper demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed system. A comparison between the POE results obtained using the multi-dimensional perception technique and those obtained manually reveals an 87% improvement in the accuracy of the evaluation results based on the multi-dimensional perception system. This system bridges the gap between planning perspectives and user experiences, contributing significantly to future urban land planning and land policy formulation.

Inadequate Social Housing and Health: The Case of Oliver Bond House, The Liberties, Dublin

Background Inadequate housing is an important social justice issue that adversely affects health. Methods Drawing on an extended ethnography case study, this paper presents the results of a resident-led survey to highlight the health consequences of inadequate social housing, as residents wait for a ‘fair regeneration’ of their social housing ‘flats’ estate within a gentrifying inner-city Dublin neighbourhood. Results Four key concerns were identified by residents as part of this analysis: (1) substandard housing conditions which are physically harmful to health; (2) the emotional toll of an unsafe social environment; (3) lack of child friendly and community green spaces; and (4) constrained mobility due to inaccessible housing design. Conclusions The results highlight the urgent need to place greater priority on the maintenance of the existing social housing stock and demonstrate the need for public housing policies that recognize the quality and quantity of adequate housing provision, where care is at the heart of housing policies. The paper also presents a novel ‘City of Care’ framework, following the need to develop an ethics of care within cities where public health, community wellbeing, solidarity, residents’ empowerment, and social justice principles are at the forefront. Given that housing is an essential contributor to good health, it is now time for a joint public housing and public health agenda to create healthier homes by confronting the everyday impact of inadequate housing to tackle social inequalities more broadly.

Exploring the Prospects and Development of Transforming Petrol Stations into Community Green Spaces

Against the backdrop of global climate change, environmental pollution, and the spread of new energy sources, petrol stations as a potential source of pollution are becoming an important issue in the energy transition. The aim of this paper is to explore the prospects and potential of transforming urban petrol stations into community green spaces. It also explores the possible positive impacts of petrol station transformation in terms of improving the environment and enhancing the quality of life of community residents. The research methodology covered questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The questionnaire drew on the views of community residents from a wide range of ages, occupations, and backgrounds. In-depth face-to-face interviews provide a fuller understanding of residents' expectations and needs. The results of the study show that community residents expect petrol stations to transform into community green spaces and integrate into community life. In addition, it is hoped that the transformed space sites will actively build green infrastructure and promote sustainable community development. A comprehensive analysis of the questionnaire and interview data led to the conclusion that there are challenges and opportunities for the transformation of petrol stations into community green spaces. In the future, it should continue to promote energy transformation and facilitate the transformation of petrol filling stations into community green spaces, so as to jointly enhance the urban environment and the quality of life of community residents. This research provides a useful reference for urban planning and sustainable development, expanding the perspectives and methods of urban green transformation.

The relationship between green space accessibility by multiple travel modes and housing prices: A case study of Beijing

Green space accessibility affects housing prices, which is an issue that has been underappreciated. This paper takes Beijing's central urban area as an example. First, the Gaussian-based two-step floating catchment area (G2SFCA) method is used to measure four levels (community green space, subdistrict green space, district green space, and municipal green space) of green space accessibility by multiple travel modes (walking, cycling and driving). Second, the spatial error model (SEM) is used to examine the factors influencing housing prices. Finally, the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model is introduced to explore the spatial relationship between green space accessibility by walking, cycling and driving and housing prices. The results show the following: (1) The SEM shows that only driving accessibility has a positive spatial spillover effect on housing prices, indicating that the spatial inequity of local community green spaces by driving will exacerbate surrounding spatial inequity. (2) The GWR model shows that from the perspective of walking and driving accessibility, most areas within the Second Ring Road show spatial equity in green spaces, while cycling accessibility shows that the spatial inequity of green space exists only outside the Second Ring Road. (3) We find that municipal green space and subdistrict green space most affect the spatial equity of green spaces. Community green space, which is not open to the public, plays a minimal role. Regarding walking and driving accessibility, municipal green space increases the spatial equity of green spaces. In contrast, this type of green space can promote the spatial equity of green spaces regarding cycling accessibility. This study can significantly improve the quality of urban settlements in the Global South and has important implications for policy-makers, planners, and stakeholders in other large cities worldwide to create green and liveable cities.

Inadequate Social Housing and Health: The Case of Oliver Bond House,The Liberties, Dublin.

Inadequate housing is an important social justice issue that adversely affects health. Drawing on an extended ethnography case study, this paper presents the results of a resident-led survey to highlight the health consequences of inadequate social housing, as residents wait for a 'fair regeneration' of their social housing 'flats' estate within a gentrifying inner-city Dublin neighbourhood. Four key concerns were identified by residents as part of this analysis: (1) substandard housing conditions which are physically harmful to health; (2) the emotional toll of an unsafe social environment; (3) lack of child friendly and community green spaces; and (4) constrained mobility due to inaccessible housing design. The results highlight the urgent need to place greater priority on the maintenance of the existing social housing stock and demonstrate the need for public housing policies that recognize the quality and quantity of adequate housing provision, where care is at the heart of housing policies. The paper also presents a novel 'City of Care' framework, following the need to develop an ethics of care within cities where public health, community wellbeing, solidarity, residents' empowerment, and social justice principles are at the forefront. Given that housing is an essential contributor to good health, it is now time for a joint public housing and public health agenda to create healthier homes by confronting the everyday impact of inadequate housing to tackle social inequalities more broadly.

Exploring "Equigenesis" in the Associations Between Green Space and Kidney Health Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults Using Street View Data.

This study systematically explores the association between community green space and preventing kidney failure among middle-aged and older adults in China, using street view data. The 33 Chinese Community Health Study was used to conduct the analysis. We used street view data to assess street view green space (SVG) exposure and clearly distinguished the difference between grass (SVG-grass) and trees (SVG-tree). The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was also used. Kidney failure was defined as a serum creatinine concentration of above 177mol/L. We used multilevel logistic regression models (controlled for a series of covariates) to examine the associations between SVG and the odds of middle-aged and older adults having kidney failure. We also tested whether middle-aged and older adults from socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are likely to derive greater benefits from the effects of green space ("equigenesis"). The results showed that both SVG (OR = 0.353; 95% CI = 0.171-0.731) and SVG-trees (OR = 0.327; 95% CI = 0.146-0.736) were negatively associated with the likelihood of middle-aged and older adults experiencing kidney failure, but there was no significant evidence of any links between either SVG-grass (OR = 0.567; 95% CI = 0.300-1.076) or the NDVI (OR = 0.398; 95% CI = 0.237-1.058) and kidney failure. Furthermore, the moderation analysis indicated that income and educational attainment have a moderating effect on the association between green space and the improvement of kidney health, which suggests that green space has greater positive effects on the kidney health of disadvantaged groups. To reduce inequalities in relation to kidney disease through urban planning, policymakers are advised to provide more visual green space-especially trees-within the community and to focus in particular on socioeconomically disadvantaged population groups.

Inclusive green environment for all? An investigation of spatial access equity of urban green space and associated socioeconomic drivers in China

The inequitable distribution of urban green spaces (UGS) has attracted increasing attention given the important role of green environments for sustainable development. However, many recent studies have yielded different results between cities in different geographic regions and development stages and even within the same city. Hence, this study addresses two research gaps in the green justice literature: (1) What are the spatial equity levels of different types of UGS, and what are their differences as well as spatial distribution characteristics? (2) What differences exist in the spatial equity levels of UGS in cities at various socioeconomic stages? On the basis of these gaps, we explain why contradictory findings have been found in the existing literature. This study focuses on three types of UGS in China, namely, community green spaces, street greenery, and public parks, and explores the driving effects of socioeconomic factors on the spatial equity of UGS in 263 Chinese cities. The results show that GDP and the population growth rate increase the spatial equity of community green spaces and street greenery. By contrast, economic development and increased in-migration can worsen the equity level of public green space accessibility. Our study provides evidence and insights for Chinese central and local governments to implement highly effective and sustainable greening programs to promote inclusive urban greening in Chinese cities.

The influence path of community green exposure index on activity behavior under multi-dimensional spatial perception.

The purpose of this research is to reveal the internal relationship among community green space, space perception, and activity behavior response to supplement the lack of research results on the binary relationship between green space and behavior. Nine residential community green spaces and 398 residents were selected as the research objects. Thematic clustering and factor identification were used to determine the spatial dimensions of community green space that residents were concerned about. The analysis of the green exposure index, spatial perception evaluation, and activity behavior survey were combined to determine the influence of the green exposure index on spatial perception and activity behavior and its internal correlation path. According to research data, the community green view index (GVI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) negatively affected the perception factor, while the perception factor positively affected the activity frequency. The SEM model shows that the green exposure index stimulated activity behavior through the intermediate effect of the internal perception path of perceived landscape quality, perceived workability, and perceived accessibility. Spatial perception as the basis of the instantaneous emotional reaction process may affect people's choices for activities but be unable to extend the duration of the activities. The internal association among community green space, spatial perception, and physical activity behavior develops on the basis of spatial patterns at certain scales. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the spatial experience and residents' behavioral needs, evaluating the quality of urban green space scientifically, and promoting the optimization of community green space structure.

Spatial Green Space Accessibility in Hongkou District of Shanghai Based on Gaussian Two-Step Floating Catchment Area Method

Green space in urban areas is one of the most critical infrastructures for the well-being of residents, and its spatial accessibility configuration is a key indicator of urban planning layout and ecological civilization construction. Using the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (G2SFCA) method, K-means cluster analysis, and Kriging spatial interpolation, this study examines the spatial characteristics of green space accessibility in the Hongkou District, focusing on the relationship between “green space-community” supply. The findings indicate the following: (1) green space accessibility in Hongkou District decreases as the level of green spaces decreases. Higher levels of accessibility are associated with smaller variations in spatial distribution. (2) The green space accessibility in Hongkou District is affected by the surrounding large green space. Compared to other areas, the community green spaces near Lu Xun Park and Peace Park have higher accessibility. (3) The green space accessibility in Hongkou District is impacted by the mismatch between population density and green spaces. An overlay analysis of accessibility and population density reveals that high accessibility areas have average or low-average population density. Based on the results of the green space accessibility analysis, recommendations are proposed to optimize the green space layout in Hongkou District from the perspective of spatial justice. These suggestions are aimed at promoting the equalization of green space services in Hongkou District, improving the overall level of urban green space services, with a view to improving the quality of urban living environment and creating a green and livable urban area.

Estimating the contribution of community landscape construction to urban carbon neutrality: methodology and database construction

Green ecological communities have garnered significant interest due to their role in providing urban ecosystem services, and community greening plays a pivotal role in urban environmental enhancement. In the context of carbon neutrality-oriented goals, it is imperative to acknowledge the significance of various landscape designs in carbon sequestration within community greening initiatives. However, there is currently a lack of consideration for landscape designs that promote high carbon sequestration in community greening projects. Our research with literature research and experimental measurement data as data sources, established a database of carbon sequestration of 138 common vegetation species in Shanghai. Based on the vertical vegetation structure within landscape design, we propose seven modular planting structures that reflect the carbon sequestration potential of high-capacity plants within different community green spaces. Our findings reveal substantial variations in carbon sequestration among different tree species within arbor and shrub categories, whereas the differences in carbon sequestration among various herbaceous plants per unit area are comparatively smaller. Among the different combination patterns, the highest carbon sequestration is achieved by the vegetation configuration of the three-layer structure pattern, and the combination of arbors, shrubs and grasses can maximize the effective use of space. This study holds significant importance in optimizing the utilization of limited green spaces within communities and enhancing the carbon sequestration benefits of community landscapes. Ultimately, these efforts contribute significantly to Shanghai’s journey toward carbon neutrality.

Research on Accessibility of Green Infrastructure Based on GIS: A Case Study of Kunhou Neighborhood Planning

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has made necessary a re-examination of public health issues and the adoption of life-changing design strategies. By combining quantitative and qualitative methods, the structure and function of community green space can be better evaluated. This study selects the Kunhou neighborhood in Wuhan as the site and proposes to analyze the daily health service function of the community’s green infrastructure. Through GIS spatial analysis, this study evaluates the accessibility of green infrastructure and medical facilities and discusses the ideal green space form based on health indicators. Statistical analyzes were used to visualize the relevance of accessible green infrastructures and medical facilities within walking distance. The findings show that the Kunhou neighborhood is lacking access to green infrastructure for daily activities. The research findings provide a bridge between public health indicators and community space planning and offer design suggestions for green infrastructure planning.

Landscape Preference Evaluation of Old Residential Neighbourhoods: A Case Study in Shi Jiazhuang, Hebei Province, China

Landscape preference and cognition are essential in determining the external environment’s subjective reflections. Although much research has been conducted on landscape preferences, there is still a lack of information on landscape perceptions and preferences among residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods, especially in Chinese cities. Taking old residential neighbourhoods of Shijiazhuang as an example, this paper used a large-scale questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews to determine the landscape preference of the residents of old residential neighbourhoods for the community green spaces using the virtual model method. The chi-square test method is used to explore the inner logic of aesthetic preference from two aspects: landscape characteristics and socio-demographic characteristics. The respondents are 668 residents of old residential neighbourhoods (300 males, 368 females) distributed in four larger communities in the main urban area of Shijiazhuang. Random sampling and volunteer sampling were used to choose the survey respondents. The results showed this: (1) In terms of soft landscapes, respondents prefer natural planting, spaces with very high plant richness and high green coverage. In terms of hard landscapes, there is a preference for fitness and leisure facilities, rubber floors and a slight preference for water features and decorative landscape elements. (2) From the chi-square results, age significantly affects landscape preference, gender and education level. In contrast, marital status and occupation have no significant effect on landscape preference. The expression of the landscape preference of the residents of old residential neighbourhoods reflects the needs for functionality, reality and local concept. The main aim of this study is to fully understand the landscape preferences of residents in old residential neighbourhoods when using green space, and to find out what factors will affect residents’ landscape preferences. The research results have guiding significance for rationally improving the landscape planning, design and management of old residential neighbourhoods, and at the same time make up for the lack of international research on landscape preferences of disadvantaged communities. Improving the environment of old residential neighbourhoods can develop a higher sense of security, happiness and satisfaction among the residents.

Interpretation of Spatial-Temporal Patterns of Community Green Spaces Based on Service Efficiency and Distribution Characteristics: A Case Study of the Main Urban Area of Beijing, China

Urban-scale green spaces have been a central topic as of late, but community-scale green spaces are overlooked in urban studies. This paper takes community green spaces in the main urban area of Beijing as the case to quantitatively interpret the spatial-temporal patterns of their service efficiency and distribution characteristics. The measurement section of the paper includes two parts: the first part compares the applicability of two major green space service efficiency measurement methods on the community scale and determines that the Shortest Time Distance method performs better in describing the spatial-temporal patterns of service efficiency. The second part applies the Time Distance Entropy method to initially identify the locational relationship between community green spaces and neighboring residential buildings, then proposes the Green Space Distribution Coefficient method based on this relationship to analyze the ‘courtyard’, ‘mixed’, and ‘centralized’ distribution types alongside the transition relationships between them, and the spatial-temporal patterns of distribution characteristics are measured. The results of service efficiency reveal that the community paradigms transform from ‘humanistic-oriented’ to ‘benefit-oriented’ as the Shortest Time Distance measurement values show an ascending trend with the passage of years and the outward expansion of the ring roads. The results of distribution characteristics reveal that the community residential culture transforms from ‘closeness’ to ‘detachment’ as Green Space Distribution Coefficient measurement values show a descending trend under the same conditions. Based on the measurements, this paper further provides several optimizing strategies for community green spaces in the central urban area of Beijing.