Metric or topological proximity? The associations among proximity to parks, the frequency of residents' visits to parks, and perceived stress

《Metric or topological proximity? The associations among proximity to parks, the frequency of residents' visits to parks, and perceived stress》

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来源: URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING,Vol.38,P.205-214

语言: 英文

关键字: Space syntax; Proximity; Urban configuration; Street connectivity; Perceived stress; PUBLIC OPEN SPACES; BODY-MASS INDEX; PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY; GREEN SPACE; BUILT ENVIRONMENT; URBAN DESIGN; HEALTH; WALKING; NEIGHBORHOOD; ACCESSIBILITY

作者单位: [Chiang, Yen-Cheng] Natl Chiayi Univ, Dept Landscape Architecture, Chiayi, Taiwan. [Li, Dongying] Texas A&M Univ, Dept Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, College Stn, TX USA. Chiang, YC (reprint author), 300 Syuefu Rd, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan. E-Mail: ycchiang@mail.ncyu.edu.tw

摘要: Urban parks provide multiple environmental, social, and salutary benefits for city-dwellers. People who have easy access to parks tend to engage in physical activity more frequently than others. The accessibility of parks is usually quantified using metric proximity, e.g., the distance from home. However, such metrics often fail to reflect the actual spatial configuration of the streets and people's actual experience in accessing the parks. The aim of this study was to quantify the access to parks based on the spatial configuration of streets and to determine whether such topological metrics was associated with people's use of parks. Using measures of space syntax, we examined the relationships among topological proximity, frequency of visits to parks, and perceived stress. We collected data from 964 people who visited 43 parks in Taipei City, Taiwan, to determine the frequency with which they visited parks and their stress levels. We used GIS to calculate indices of topological proximity. The results indicated that topological proximity was a significant predictor of the usage of parks. However, metric proximity measures, including Euclidean distance or actual walking distance, were not significant predictors. Increases in street connectivity and control value predicted higher frequencies of visits to parks. Regarding self-reported stress, topological proximity indices, connectivity, and control value were also significantly associated with stress. The use of a park partially mediated the relationship between topological proximity and stress levels. The findings regarding the effects of proximity on visits to parks provided implications for street layout planning and policy-making, and streetscape design.