A framework for assessing vitality of leisure urban spaces in Nanjing, China

Urban planning research examines the link between urban sustainability and urban space quality, emphasizing leisure’s significant impact on social welfare and residents’ life quality. In response to growing leisure demands, China has significantly expanded the provision of urban spaces with leisure functions. However, these spaces exhibit significant variations in attractiveness and utilization: some are overcrowded, while others remain underused or neglected due to inadequate maintenance. Vitality theory introduces a new approach to evaluating leisure urban spaces (LUS) quality, which is crucial for meeting leisure needs. Moreover, the adoption of big data analytics has transformed the analysis of urban dynamics, providing deeper insights into spatial and behavioral patterns. Therefore, the study aims to develop a multidimensional vitality evaluation framework to comprehensively identify the characteristics of leisure urban spaces through big data analysis. The study explores key dimensions and factors influencing LUS vitality, integrating theories of urban leisure, leisure geography, vitality, urban space systems, spatiotemporal behavior, and behavioral change. It defines LUS and categorizes them into four types: parks, squares, waterfront spaces, and leisure blocks. Through narrative and systematic literature reviews, it identifies research gaps and trends, establishing a theoretical framework and evaluation indicator system for LUS vitality. The vitality of LUS is evaluated using multi-source data from systemic and individual perspectives. Systemically, GIS spatial analysis examines LUS distribution within Nanjing’s Central Urban Area (CUA). Individually, big data and field surveys measure key indicators across 11 selected spaces, employing GIS analysis, word frequency analysis, text sentiment analysis, and statistical analysis. Pearson’s correlation coefficient validates the theoretical framework, analyzing the relationship between crowd activity and the built environment. The final evaluation framework uses entropy and CRITIC weighting methods to calculate indicator weights. System- level analysis revealed stark differences in LUS distribution between the densely packed old city area (OCA) and the sparser newer urban areas, mirroring the concentrated distribution of population activities. Notable differences were found in the distribution and provision of different types of LUS. Individual-level analysis highlighted imbalances in space utilization and attractiveness. Crowd activity density and diversity of internal facilities emerged as critical indicators of LUS vitality. Each type of LUS exhibited unique temporal activity patterns, user group characteristics, and distributions of various leisure facilities. Users’ preferences extend beyond nature to encompass historical, cultural ambience, and social and consumption facilities. Multiple aspects of crowd activity, including density, persistence, diversity, and feedback, were significantly influenced by the built environment’s external and internal factors. These findings were also validated through expert surveys. To bridge theory and practice, the study proposes strategic recommendations to enhance LUS vitality, including optimizing spatial configurations, improving connectivity and functional diversity, and increasing leisure facilities. These align with broader urban development goals, guiding policymakers and planners to achieve balanced leisure resource distribution and create vibrant, inclusive environments.

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