Analysis of behaviors along the waterside in a Chinese residential quarter

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the behaviors of residents along the waterside in a Chinese residential quarter. Based on Hayashi's Quantification Theory Type III and Cluster Analysis and information collected through this study, the waterfront spaces are classified into nine types, each of which have unique statistical characteristics concerning behaviors. The results show that the residents tend to wait for companions of their respective defined groups frequently while they are walking along the brook. They rarely play with water in the pond if they are uncertain about the water depth, and also stay longer chatting with friends if they can find vacant benches on the deck along the pond. The residents typically hang around more frequently in waterfront spaces to either play in shallow water, if the weather permits, or enjoy the view of the brook although they may stop for a shorter time on stepping-stones. Scientifically identified human behaviors have shown that they are influenced by these different types of waterfront spaces that are described in detail in this paper.