Kun Huang’s research while affiliated with Chengdu University of Technology and other places

During the decade after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, numerous earthquakes of different magnitudes have occurred in the affected areas. The need for immediate emergency evacuation following the occurrence of disaster was unanimously recognized by experts as the safest and most effective response of residents. Moreover, this behavior is directly influenced by residents' perceptions of disaster risk and built environment (BE). To explore the relationship between seismic evacuation behavior and perceptions of risk and BE, this study utilized a random survey in the form of a sample questionnaire in the areas most affected by the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008, combined with exploratory factor analysis and binary logistic regression analysis. Results show that residents' BE and risk perceptions positively affected their evacuation choice behavior. Specifically, when rural residents perceived a reasonable evacuation route and good quality of village roads, they would flee their homes as soon as an earthquake struck. With regard to seismic risk perception, if the residents perceived highly negative consequences from earthquakes, they would escape immediately as soon as an earthquake occurred. This conclusion highlights the importance of strengthening the construction of BE in disaster-prone areas, and raising residents’ awareness and risk perception of earthquake disasters. This study has practical significance in further construction of earthquake-stricken areas.

Rural areas are undergoing tremendous changes due to rapid urbanization and new construction. However, few studies have investigated the perspectives of local residents on the changing landscape. This study investigates the aforementioned phenomenon via field surveys conducted in seven villages and townships in Sichuan Province. Factor analysis was performed on 352 valid questionnaires to analyze the perceptions of and preferences for the built environment of rural residents. Each analysis extracted 5 factors from 20 variables. The comparative analysis identified three common factors, namely, convenient transportation, public environment and roads, which influenced the perceptions on and preferences for the rural built environment. However, the importance of each factor differed in terms of perception and preference. Results of the analysis and comparison highlight areas that can be improved and promoted in new rural construction. Suggestions for development and construction are provided to promote the progress of new countryside regions.