Jing Zhao’s research while affiliated with Universiti Putra Malaysia and other places

The post-occupancy evaluation process is pivotal for assessing the performance of indoor and outdoor living environments after occupation. This evaluation involves a multifaceted analysis, encompassing energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, outdoor spaces, and occupant satisfaction. Despite the inherent advantages and potential applicability of post-occupancy evaluation in residential buildings, the lack of uniformity in research methodologies, data collection techniques, investigative approaches, and result interpretation has impeded cross-comparisons and method replication. In a concerted effort to enhance the understanding of prevailing post-occupancy evaluation methodologies, this study undertook a comprehensive systematic literature review of post-occupancy evaluation practices within the residential domain from 2000 to 2023. The results unequivocally underscored the pervasive lack of consistency in methodological applications, tool deployment, and data reporting across diverse post-occupancy evaluation investigations. The objectives of this review aimed to examine the existing post-occupancy evaluation (POE) methods, assess occupant-centric thermal comfort, evaluate the impact of POE feedback on building design, and develop recommendations for architects, engineers, facility managers, and policymakers on leveraging POE feedback to enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency in buildings. This study offers critical insights into advocating for a more standardized and cohesive post-occupancy evaluation approach. The findings of this review can direct the establishment of a coherent and consistently implemented post-occupancy evaluation framework within the realm of residential architecture.

Recently, many Chinese cities have initiated improvement projects aimed at enhancing living conditions in older residential neighborhoods. Urban improvement should be closely linked to the needs of occupants to determine “what to improve”. Governmental initiatives and the various stakeholders involved in the project influence the impact of improvement efforts. The objectives of the study are essential to identify the factors influencing occupants’ satisfaction and to evaluate whether the occupants are satisfied with the improved old residential neighborhoods. This study conducts a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of improved outdoor spaces in old residential neighborhoods, focusing on neighborhoods in Wuxi, China. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate residents’ efficacy and satisfaction with the enhancements implemented in outdoor spaces. The methodology involved collecting data through surveys and on-site observations, which were then analyzed to identify the pivotal factors impacting the effectiveness of these improvements. The results indicated that enhancing outdoor spaces had a substantial positive impact on residents’ quality of life, social interactions, and physical activity levels. Additionally, the PCA identified accessibility, safety, and aesthetic quality as the main factors contributing to resident satisfaction. This study offers valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers aiming to rejuvenate aging residential districts, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches to improve the design and functionality of outdoor spaces.

Various physical and environmental factors affect the recreational experience in national forest parks. Understanding visitors’ preferences regarding these factors is significant for promoting the physical and mental health and well-being of urban residents. This study aims to quantify residents’ usage patterns and safety perceptions of national forest parks. It focuses particularly on Santai Mountain National Forest Park in Jiangsu, China, and conducted a semi-structured questionnaire survey with 688 participants. The statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics 24 was used for data analysis. A descriptive quantitative analysis was conducted on the respondents’ demographic information. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and an ordinal logistic regression model were employed to analyze the survey data. The survey results show that most visitors go to the forest park only once or twice a year, usually on weekends, holidays, and during leisure time rather than on workdays. Because the national forest park is located in the suburbs, the journey is long, and most visitors choose to drive there. Additionally, the majority of visitors go to the forest park with family and friends. Because the park is well managed and has complete safety facilities, most visitors feel safe in the national forest park.

Amidst rapid urbanization and escalating environmental degradation in China’s urban areas due to climate change, traditional drainage systems struggle to cope with rainfall, resulting in frequent flood disasters. In response, rain gardens have emerged as ecologically practical stormwater management solutions that integrate urban flood control with landscape design. Leveraging the dual benefits of rainwater purification and aesthetic enhancement provided by vegetation, herbaceous plant-based rain gardens have assumed a pivotal role in green infrastructure. However, dedicated research on the application of herbaceous plants in rain garden design is limited, especially within China’s water-stressed context. This study employs a literature review and case analysis to explore this critical issue. Initially, it delineates the concept of the sponge city introduced by the Chinese government. Subsequently, it reviews concepts and methods of plant biodiversity design in urban settings and rain gardens and elucidates the structure and function of rain gardens. Four Chinese rain gardens in different urban environments (old industrial areas, university campuses, urban villages, and urban highway green belts) were selected to examine the selection and arrangement of herbaceous plants while identifying deficiencies in their designs. Finally, feasibility suggestions are provided for the design of herbaceous plant diversity in Chinese rain gardens. This study’s findings can provide a reference for the planting design of herbaceous plants in rain gardens for other countries and regions with similar climates and environmental conditions.

This study investigates the correlation between the needs of residents in Wuxi, China, and the provision of neighborhood outdoor spaces, through the lens of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The objective is to discern and comprehend the distinct needs residents have for outdoor spaces across various tiers of Maslow's hierarchy, encompassing physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. This study utilizes quantitative research methods, integrating data obtained from a survey of 372 residents to acquire insights into their perspectives on outdoor spaces. The findings reveal that, at the physiological level, residents place a premium on access to clean and verdant spaces for relaxation and exercise. From a safety perspective, the availability of well-lit, secure, and meticulously maintained outdoor settings is deemed essential. In terms of love and belonging, environments that encourage neighborhood interaction and foster social bonds, such as playgrounds and community gardens, are highly valued. Regarding esteem, spaces that are aesthetically appealing and bolster local identity and pride hold significant importance. Finally, concerning self-actualization, areas that provide avenues for personal development and engagement with the environment, including educational workshops and neighborhood vegetable gardens, are in demand. The study underscores the necessity of adopting a holistic approach to urban planning that accounts for the multifaceted needs of residents at different levels of Maslow's hierarchy. The insights garnered from Wuxi, China, suggest that satisfying these varied needs is pivotal to enhancing the overall well-being and contentment of residents with their community outdoor spaces. This research offers critical perspectives for urban planners, landscape architects, and policymakers dedicated to fostering more habitable, sustainable, and needs-focused outdoor environments in urban settings.