Page 39 - JCAU-6-1

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Perception of pedestrian environment

Visitor age statistics reveal that very few respondents function and safety as the least favorable factors among the
are over the age of 41, with the majority falling in the 21 five categories.
– 30 age group (67.19%). The data show that Gulangyu is
particularly popular among young tourists. The age group 4.3. The ordered logistic regression analysis
with the fewest respondents was 51 – 60 years old and Based on the results of the correlation analysis in the
61 years old and above, at 2.36% and 0.52%, respectively. previous step, the regression relationship between
Survey results regarding the educational level of tourists in environmental factors and pedestrian perceptions was
Gulangyu show that the educational level is generally high. tested. Ordered logistic regression is suitable for regression
Those with a bachelor’s degree topped the list, 52.23%, equations where the dependent variable is an ordinal
followed by those with a master’s degree or above (18.64%) categorical variable, and the dependent variable is classified
and college degrees 16.01%. These three educational stages as equivariant in rank (Fullerton, 2009).
reflect the main respondents of this survey.
The findings of the ordered logistic regression analysis
4.2. The descriptive statistics of environmental indicate that several environmental factors significantly
perception influence residents’ perceptions of the environment
(Table 2 and Figure 7). These factors include safety (enough
Descriptive statistics were initially conducted on residents’ light), comfort (comfort level), and three esthetic factors
and tourists’ overall satisfaction with the environment (commercial attractiveness, building maintenance, and
in Gulangyu and their ratings of the five factors. This heritage buildings). In contrast, for tourists, the factors that
analytical process provides a foundational understanding significantly impact their perceptions of the environment
of the respondents’ walking perception of the environment. are two comfort factors (cleanliness and indicator system),
Figure 5 shows the ratings of residents and tourists one esthetic factor (building facades), and the factor of
regarding their overall satisfaction with Gulangyu’s walking pleasure.
environment. The majority of both residents and tourists First, the esthetics of walking sightlines substantially
are satisfied and very satisfied with the environment of impact residents’ perception of leisure walking. Although
Gulangyu. However, the proportion of residents who are the historic buildings in Gulangyu are generally well
very satisfied with the environment is higher than that maintained and restored, ordinary buildings require better
of tourists. Less than 10% of both residents and tourists maintenance, and some buildings are in disrepair due to
are dissatisfied with Gulangyu’s environment. The largest being vacant and unoccupied. An esthetically pleasing built
percentage of both residents and tourists consider the environment would lead to a higher level of perception
environment of Gulangyu to be satisfactory, with tourists when residents are walking for leisure. Second, comfort
slightly outnumbering residents at 60.24% and 52.33%, plays a more significant role in residents’ perceptions.
respectively. The percentage of residents who are very Therefore, more emphasis should be placed on items
satisfied with the environment is about 8% higher than that that affect walking comfort, such as resting seats, shade
of tourists. facilities, and other facilities that impact walking comfort.
Figure 6 displays the mean scores of residents and Third, street lighting and heritage buildings are additional
tourists on environmental factors in Gulangyu. In general, factors that affect residents’ perception of walking. During
tourists assign higher ratings to environmental factors the survey, residents generally reported needing more
than residents do. Tourists tend to favor all the factors street lighting, particularly in the less visited but residential
except the comfort factor. Both residents and tourists rate areas on Gulangyu’s North and West sides. Adequate street

Figure 5. The score of overall environmental satisfaction. Source: Graph by the authors

Volume 6 Issue 1 (2024) 7 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.1879