Page 136 - JCAU-7-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Culture & play in Xi’an’s parks: 7Cs evaluation

Table 2. 7Cs framework evaluation factor weighting
Dimension Dimension weight (W) Evaluation factor Factor weight (N) Comprehensive
weight
Character 0.1536 Design reflects the cultural and natural features 0.3517 0.0540
Provides unique visual experiences, avoiding standard layouts 0.2953 0.0454
Encourages children to interact with and explore site features 0.3530 0.0542
Context 0.1343 Analyzes the site’s orientation and climatic conditions 0.4021 0.0540
Utilizes surrounding resources to enhance site value 0.3457 0.0464
Adapts to different community settings 0.2522 0.0339
Connectivity 0.1335 Ensures seamless indoor-outdoor connection 0.4023 0.0537
Designs looped and hierarchical pathways 0.3025 0.0404
Uses plants and fences to promote interaction 0.2952 0.0394
Change 0.1452 Designs spaces of varied sizes and functions 0.3481 0.0505
Provides manipulable materials for long-term engagement 0.3524 0.0512
Allows flexible layouts 0.2995 0.0435
Chance 0.1482 Designs “messy zones” for free exploration 0.4023 0.0596
Stimulates spontaneous exploration through terrain 0.3530 0.0523
Supports unstructured, open-ended activities 0.2447 0.0363
Clarity 0.1324 Avoids obstacles that block sightlines 0.4052 0.0536
Provides clear entry and exit points 0.3527 0.0467
Optimizes soundscapes to reduce noise 0.2421 0.0321
Challenge 0.1528 Introduces facilities with varying difficulty 0.4050 0.0619
Designs progressive challenges for skill development 0.2998 0.0458
Encourages risk-taking while ensuring safety 0.2952 0.0451

and public holidays to capture peak park usage, ensuring
that the collected data accurately reflected real-world
conditions. To facilitate the process, the research team
provided concise, on-site instructions to help respondents
comprehend the questions while minimizing interference
with park activities. Experts were invited based on their
professional experience and expertise. This group included
researchers and designers specializing in children’s play
spaces, as well as landscape architecture professionals with
extensive industry experience.
Following data collection, responses were cleaned
and organized to ensure high-quality samples. Given the
varying perspectives and contributions of parents and
experts, a weighted approach was applied to the evaluation
process. Utilizing the Delphi method and aligning with the
Figure 4. Qujiang pool heritage park study’s objectives, the weight of parent feedback was set at
Source: Photo by authors (2024) 0.6, reflecting its emphasis on practical use, while expert
feedback was weighted at 0.4, capturing professional
collected, and participation was entirely anonymous and insights. This balanced methodology allowed for a
voluntary. The questionnaires were made available in a comprehensive assessment that integrates user experience
non-intrusive manner, allowing parents to complete them with expert evaluation. The design performance of
during resting periods without disrupting their interactions children’s play spaces was quantitatively evaluated using
with children. Surveys were administered during weekends questionnaire data, and a weighted average method was

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 5 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.8296