Page 143 - JCAU-7-3

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

enhancing the interactivity of heritage park play spaces in environments incorporate diverse terrains, vegetation, and
Xi’an and similar culturally rich urban settings. water-based elements. Existing landscapes, such as sloped
areas, wooded sections, and shallow water zones, could be
4.2. Strategies for enhancing exploratory and utilized to create adventure trails, stepping-stone pathways,
challenging play in heritage parks and interactive topographical mazes. In addition, thematic
Findings from this study indicate that children’s play spaces discovery areas, such as archaeological excavation zones
in Xi’an’s heritage parks lack sufficient opportunities for or heritage-inspired labyrinths, may encourage children
exploration and challenge. Quantitative analysis revealed to engage with cultural narratives while fostering spatial
that these spaces scored lower in these dimensions awareness and problem-solving skills.
compared to others, suggesting that current designs may Thirdly, qualitative findings indicate that static
not fully accommodate the diverse developmental needs of cultural displays in heritage parks may not sustain
children. Survey data indicate that a significant proportion children’s attention over extended periods, limiting
of parents expressed a preference for play facilities that offer their engagement with cultural content. Incorporating
greater physical challenge and open-ended exploration. interactive storytelling and task-based activities may help
Additionally, interview findings suggest that the majority bridge this gap. Play structures designed around historical
of existing facilities primarily cater to younger children, narratives, such as reconstructed heritage sites, could
featuring slides and low climbing structures, while fewer allow children to complete challenges related to historical
elements support older children’s engagement through architecture or artifact discovery, serving both recreational
more complex and physically demanding activities. This and educational functions. Recent studies (Lian & Xie,
limited variety in play opportunities may contribute to 2024) have explored augmented reality (AR) applications
lower participation rates among children aged 6 – 12. A key as a means of enhancing interactive engagement. For
factor underlying this issue appears to be a design emphasis example, AR-enabled features could allow children to
on fundamental safety and accessibility, often at the expense scan designated cultural landmarks with mobile devices to
of age-appropriate challenge and exploratory play elements. unlock virtual storytelling, historical puzzles, or animated
Many heritage parks prioritize standardized, low-intensity character interactions. This approach may help deepen
play structures that, while ensuring inclusivity, may not children’s connection to cultural heritage through play.
sufficiently address children’s evolving needs for cognitive
By integrating these enhancements, heritage parks could
and physical challenges. To address these challenges, offer more engaging and educational play environments
this study identifies three key strategies for enhancing that promote active participation and meaningful cultural
exploratory and challenging qualities in heritage park play connections. Future research could further examine
spaces, namely incorporating progressively challenging the long-term impacts of these interventions on user
play structures, integrating natural landscapes to foster engagement and cultural learning outcomes.
exploration, and utilizing interactive and gamified learning
elements. 4.3. Insights from differences in parent and expert
Firstly, survey and interview data suggest that a evaluations
tiered system of challenge-based play structures could This study reveals that while both parents and experts
better accommodate children’s varying skill levels and acknowledge the cultural and environmental strengths
developmental needs. For younger children, low climbing of children’s play spaces in Xi’an’s heritage parks, their
nets and obstacle courses can facilitate basic motor skill evaluation priorities differ significantly. Parents prioritize
development, while older children could benefit from high practical usability, particularly in terms of safety,
rope courses, dynamic balancing structures, and climbing accessibility, and playability. Many parents perceive
walls with increasing levels of difficulty. Research on play existing play facilities as lacking variety and opportunities
space engagement (Wang, 2021) highlights that adjustable for exploration, particularly for older children, who may
play equipment, such as modular climbing elements find them less engaging. In contrast, experts emphasize
and variable-incline slides, allows children to self-select design logic, cultural integration, and spatial planning.
difficulty levels, thereby supporting skill progression over They recognize that current play spaces successfully
time. incorporate cultural elements but note that they lack
Secondly, the integration of natural features has been dynamic, interactive features that would allow children to
identified as a factor in enhancing children’s exploratory experience heritage themes more deeply.
behaviors (Wang, 2021). Observational data indicate that Despite these differing perspectives, both parents
children demonstrate increased engagement when play and experts agree that the dimensions of challenge and

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 12 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.8296