Page 140 - JCAU-7-3

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

Table 6. Summary of expert group thematic coding
7Cs dimension Initial coding keywords Subtheme Theme
Character Static displays, lack of interaction, insufficient Cultural display and interactive design Deep integration of culture and play
cultural background extraction, lack of spaces
contextual design
Monotonous themed facilities, limited historical Integration of historical and cultural
symbols, single forms of cultural expression elements
Heritage elements limited to decoration, Balancing cultural education and
weakened cultural transmission function engagement
Context Incoherent materials, conflict between modern Coordination of site and heritage culture Organic integration of heritage
facilities and heritage styles, inconsistent environments and play facilities
cultural ambiance
Lack of landscape layering, overly functional Integration of natural and cultural elements
natural vegetation design
Insufficient cultural ambiance, underutilized Cultural ambiance creation in heritage
historical elements contexts
Connectivity Complex pathway design, dispersed functional Optimization of functional zones and Functional integration and flow
zones, weak connection logic pathways optimization of park pathways
Missing signage design, unintuitive navigation Signage and pathway guidance systems
system
Weak accessibility via public transport, unclear Entrance design and accessibility
linkage between entrances and activity zones
Change Monotonous facility design, lack of dynamic Multifunctional facility design and Flexibility and diversity in facility
activities, weak multifunctional adaptability adjustments design
Insufficient seasonal activities, unclear Seasonal and dynamic adaptation of spaces
functional zoning
Unmet diverse user needs, lack of facilities for Age segmentation and needs adaptation
older children
Chance Lack of exploratory activities, insufficient free Support for exploration and free play Enhancing interactivity and
play spaces, weak interactive design exploration in play facilities
Limited participatory cultural narratives, static Integration of cultural education and
display formats exploration
Lack of cooperative activity support, absence of Spatial design for social interaction
group interaction designs
Clarity Complex signage systems, unclear functional Layout and functional guidance Enhancing the intuitiveness of spatial
zones, unintuitive facility uses layouts
Unclear usage processes, poor initial user Site navigation and functional guidance
experience
Weak spatial logic, imbalanced functional Rationality of functional layouts
zoning
Challenge Lack of challenging activities for older children, Layered adaptation of challenge design Providing more challenging facilities
low-level activities for younger users
Few cognitive challenge designs, low difficulty Logic and layering of activity design
in cooperative activities
Imbalance between safety and adventure, Balancing adventure and safety in design
conservative approach to challenge design

suggesting that the facilities do not fully meet the These findings suggest that while heritage parks have
developmental needs of older children or provide sufficient made notable progress in cultural presentation and
opportunities for exploratory play. These deficiencies environmental integration, there remains substantial room
highlight the need for more diverse and interactive play for improvement in interactive design, diverse activity
features that cater to children across different age groups. facilities, and exploratory experiences. The key challenge

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 9 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.8296