Project 2: Relationships Between Dietary Habit, Income and Diabetes Prevalence

1 Background

Food consumption can reflect dietary habits to some extents and may influence people’s health conditions. Healthy dietary pattern helps to protect against malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stoke and cancer[1]. For instance, in “Tesco Grocery 1.0, a large-scale dataset of grocery purchases in London (Aiello et al., 2020)”, authors illustrated the close relationships between carbohydrates and diversity/entropy of energy from nutrients with diabetes[2].

According to WHO and Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a healthy diet requires for less than 30% of total energy intake from total fats (with less than 10% from saturated fat), less than 10% of total energy intake from free sugars[1], 45% - 65% of energy intake from carbohydrates and 10% - 35% from protein[3]. Dietary behaviour may vary depending on various factors, including age, lifestyle, physical activities, cultural context, food availability, social economic status, etc. Previous studies have illustrated that lower income is associated with a poor quality dietary intake with less consumption of fruits and vegetables and more consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages[4].

Based on previous indications about the relationships between healthy diet and diabetes, as well as dietary behaviour and income, this research examines the relationships between dietary habits (reflected from food purchasing), income and diabetes prevalence in London, UK.

2 Data Preprocessing

Dataset:

1. Area-level grocery purchases in London (2015, ward): The data contains 202 columns, including the number of transactions and nutritional properties of the typical food item bought (including the average caloric intake and the composition of nutrients) in different areas of London.

2. Household Income Estimates for Small Areas (2001-2012/13, ward) : The data contains mean and median average gross annual household income in different areas of London, from 2001 to 2012/13.

3. Diabetes Estimates (2016, ward) : The data illustrates the number of people aged 17+ on a register for diabetes at each GP practice in different areas of London.

Clean data

1. Use “f_energy_{nutrient}”(fraction of energy from different nutrients), “h_nutrients_ calories”(diversity/entropy of energy from nutrients), “f_{liquids}”(fraction of liquids purchased) and "f_{food category}_weight“(fraction of food weight purchased) as indicators for dietary habit.

2. Use”Mean 2012/13" as indicator for annual household income since it’s closet to 2015.

3. Use“estimated_diabetes_prevalence” as indicators for diabetes prevalence.

Food and liquids consumption composition

Fractions of liquids and food purchased are illustrated below to provide a general idea of food consumption pattern in London.

Comparison of energy intakes from different nutrients with recommended compositions

Fractions of energy from fats, saturated fats, sugar, protein, carbohydrate, fibre and alcohol are compared with compositions recommended by WHO and USDA.

Fats, saturated fats and sugar intakes are all far more than recommended fractions (which are 30%, 10% and 10% respectively). Protein is mostly within the recommended range, but at a relatively lower level. Energy from carbohydrate is partly below recommended level. Overall, people in London have an unhealthy diet with large fats and sugar intakes and relatively low energy intakes from protein and carbohydrate.

3 RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DIETARY HABIT, INCOME AND DIABETES PREVALENCE

3.1 Spatial Distribution of Nutrition Intakes, Income and Diabetes Prevalence

According to Figure 1, fractions of nutrition intakes vary in different areas. I visualize the fractions nutrients that significantly exceed the standards (fats, saturated fats, sugar) as well as carbohydrate and entropy of energy from nutrients (which are highly related to diabetes in literature[2]) on map to observe spatial variation of nutrition intakes. Spatial distributions of annual average household income and diabetes area also visualized to map to see if there are certain patterns illustrated.

Higher fractions of energy intake from total fat are represented in central areas and some south-western areas. Eastern region generally has lower fraction of fat intake, though it still far exceeds the standard.

Higher fractions of energy intake from saturated fat are represented in western London.

Lower fractions of energy intake from sugar are represented in central and northern London. Intakes in marginal areas are relatively higher. Lower fractions of energy intake from carbohydrate are represented in central London. Intakes in marginal areas are relatively higher, especially in the east. Higher diversity/entropy of energy from nutrients is represented in central and southwestern areas.

Higher income is represented in central and some south-western areas.

Fruit and vegetable and grains take up largest proportion of consumption and varies more in different areas. While the variations of other items consumption are smaller.

Figure 3 Spatial variation of nutrients fractions, nutrition diversity, income and diabetes prevalence

Lower diabetes prevalence is represented in central and some south-western areas. Prevalence in the northwest and north east are higher.

All factors show observable spatial variation to some extent. In general, higher fraction of fat intake, nutrition diversity and income, and lower fraction of sugar and carbohydrate intake and diabetes prevalence usually show similar spatial pattern.

3.2 Relationship between Income and Diabete Prevalence

According to Figure 2, household income shows similar pattern with diabetes prevalence. To further explore possible relationship between these two factors, the correlation of income and diabetes are calculated.

4 Regression Models

Based on previous analysis, I choose fractions of energy intake from protein, carbohydrate and fibre and diversity/entropy of energy from nutrients as indicators to predict household income. To make predicitons more accurate, fractions of consumption of dairy, fruit and vegetable and grains are also used as indicators.

4.1 Nutrition/Food Intakes and Income

Higher annual income areas are usually with lower prevalence of diabetes. The coefficient is around -0.7.

Regions with higher income population probably have lower rates of diabetes patients. However, there are various and complicated factors which may influence diabetes prevalence, so we can not simply conclude direct relationships between household income and diabetes prevalence.

3.3 Correlation between Nutrition Intakes, Income and Diabetes Prevalence

To explore the relationships between nutrition structure, income and diabetes prevalence, I calculated the correlation between different nutrient intakes which are shown as unhealthy above (fat, saturated fat, sugar, carbohydrate), diversity/entropy of energy from nutrients, income and diabetes prevalence.

Incomes are positively correlated with nutrition diversity and negatively correlated with diabetes prevalence and fraction of energy intake from carbohydrate.

Diabetes prevalence is positively correlated with fraction of energy intake from carbohydrate and negatively correlated with nutrition diversity and income.

Unhealthy dietary habit with over fat, saturated fat and sugar doesn’t have a strong correlation with household income and diabetes prevalence, while carbohydrate intake and nutrition diversity have a relatively strong correlation. Purely correlating nutrition structure (with unhealthy nutrient intakes) with income and diabetes may be insufficient to explore relationships diet, income and diabetes.

3.4 Correlation between Nutrition/Food Intakes, Income and Diabetes Prevalence

To further explore relationships between dietary behaviour, income and diabetes prevalence, I calculated the correlation between other nutrient intakes (other than the ones in figure 4), proportion of food and liquids consumption, income and diabetes prevalence.

Incomes are positively correlated with fractions of fibre and protein intake, consumption of wine, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and negatively correlated with consumption of soft drinks and grains.

Diabetes prevalence is positively correlated with consumption of grains and soft drinks, and negatively correlated with fractions of protein and fire intake, consumption of wine, dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables.

Higher incomes are probably more related to healthier diet with more fibre and protein intakes through more consumtion of dairy, fruits and vegetables. Also, healthier diets are probably more related to lower diabetes prevalence.

4.1 Nutrition/Food Intakes and Income

The observed are positively correlated with the predicted with a coefficient of 0.83.

Dietary habit can be an indicator to household income.

The observed are positively correlated with the predicted with a coefficient of 0.86.

Dietary habit can be an indicator to household income.

5 Conclusion

Overall, general diet habits in London are unhealthy with high intakes of fats, saturated fats and sugar. Dietary pattern has some correlations with incomes and diabetes prevalence. Areas with higher household income are likely to have low diabetes prevalence, which is probably due to people’s different dietary behaviours in certain areas. Higher incomes are more likely related to healthier dietary habits with more energy intake from protein and fibre, more consumption of dairy, fruits and vegetables and high nutrition diversity. However, the overly intake of fats, saturated fats and sugar doesn’t represent a high correlation with household incomes. Also, healthier diet with more energy intake from protein and fibre, more consumption of dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables and high nutrition diversity are related to lower prevalence of diabetes.

6 Limitations

1. The data was collected from Clubcard customers of Tesco, which may be not representative for the overall population.

2. There were food consumption other than food purchasing from Tesco, so the dietary habits may be different when we take all kinds of food consumption into consider.

3. The distribution of Tesco may influence people’s purchasing pattern.

4. Food consumption cab be influenced by many social economic factors other than income, for instance, employment, education status, etc.

5. Diabetes can be influenced by many factors like accessibility to health care facilities, daily physical activities, etc.

REVITALIZE /

Upgrade of Public Open Space in Cuiyuan Community

Urban Planning

Site Location: Cuiyuan Community, Hangzhou

Undergrate Academic Work

Team Work, Reworked Individually in 07.2019

Instructor: Deng Yunlan, Xie Yuting, Christian Nolf

Well-designed public open space contributes to the vitality of communities. However, conflicts and incompatibility between community public open space and its users, especially elderly users are becoming increasingly prominent in some old communities. Upgrading public open space can make a community more attractive and improve the living standards of its residents.

In the Cuiyuan Community, elderly people are observed as the most common users in public open space. For the elderly, public open space in their residential area is the main carrier of their daily activities and an important interface for social interaction. Therefore, upgrades of public open space in the Cuiyuan Community should fully consider the needs of the elderly.

In order to create an attractive and age-friendly environment in the Cuiyuan Community, this project proposes five strategies on upgrading public open space, including providing sufficient public open spaces, diversifying public open spaces, improving connectivity, unifying planting system and improving management.

1.1 BACKGROUND

With the development of urbanization in Hangzhou, people's living environments have changed a lot. New communities with high-rise buildings are emerging. City parks are constructed in new city districts. Old communities in old districts become isolated and are usually ignored. However, these old communities still play an important role in the development of the city. They occupy a large area in old districts, connect the present and the past of the city and provide a sense of belonging to people who have lived in Hangzhou for a long time.

Cuiyuan Community, constructed in the 1980s, is a typical old community in Hangzhou. It locates in a busy area without any external public open space around. Therefore, the internal public open space in the community is important. It contributes to the vitality of the Cuiyuan Community and provides residents with places for activities and social interaction.

However, there are many conflicts between public open space and its users, especially elderly users.

In the 1980s, young and middle-aged people constituted the majority of the community population. Therefore, public open spaces constructed in the 1980s were designed according to the needs of young and healthy people rather than the elderly. As these people aged, their demands for activities and facilities changed, while public open spaces in their living environment remained unchanged.

This project takes the public open space in Cuiyuan as the main object to improve the living environment of the residents. Considering that elderly people are the most common users of public open space, this project also analyses activities carried out by elderly residents.

Based on the analysis of public open space and elderly users, this project provides feasible strategies to make public open space in Cuiyuan more attractive, convenient and agefriendly.

1.2 GOALS

Provide strategies for space and facility transformation to make public open space more attractive and age-friendly.

1.3

1.3.1

Methods

Field Observation

• Site visit: public open spaces in the Cuiyuan Community

• Activity observation: when, where and how the elderly use each public open space

1.3.2

INTERVIEW WITH RESIDENTS & COMMITTEE

• Face-to-Face interview with the neighborhood committee to gain basic knowledge of community background, including current population structure and construction statistics

• Engagement with the elderly to understand their preferences and demands of public open spaces

1.3.3 LITERATURE REFERENCE

Literature on the regeneration of public open space in old communities and public open space appropriate for the elderly

Public

Identification of Study Objects

1.5 BACKGROUND OF RESEARCH OBJECTS

Cuiyuan Community

Cuiyuan Community, located in the northeast of Xihu District - one of the oldest districts in Hangzhou, is relatively isolated from the new city area. It consists of six communities (Cuiyuan Community No.1- No.5, and Gudangwan Community), covering two blocks, 1.25km². It has a relatively low building density (26% of average). And the average greening rate is 30.9%.

Cuiyuan Community is bounded by four main roadsYuhangtang Rd., Gucui Rd., Xueyuan Rd. and Wener Rd. There are many walkways inside communities, but most of them are not separated from vehicle ways and are not in a systematic system.

Yuhangtang River is adjacent to the north side of the community and the Gudangwan River flows through the community.

Public Open Space (see 2.1)

Elderly Users

Public open space studied in this project includes concentrated parks in communities, accessible green spaces around dwellings and riverside green space.

Elderly Residents

Elderly residents in Cuiyuan Community account for 15.5% of the total population. They are the most common users in public open space.

Many elderly people have been living here for a long time, and they have a relatively stable and harmonious neighborhood relationship. There are also some elderly people who just moved in with their children.

Field Observation Engagement with the Elderly Users

Identification of the Issues in the Study Site

Site analysis can be divided into the variables of public open space and how elderly people use the space.

2.1 THE VARIABLES OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

Quality of public open space in a community can be influenced by its size, distribution and accessibility.

The size of public open space is related to its capacity to accommodate people. The number and distribution of public open spaces illustrate whether there are enough places for activities. These two aspects are studied by mapping of the community.

Accessibility affects the elderly's willingness to use a site.

Accessibility of each site is influenced by its boundaries, entrances and position. Therefore, enclosed boundaries, number of entrances, car parking around the sites and distance from each site to community centre are analyzed in this section. The analysis is carried out through field observation and mapping.

In order to quantify the research of car parking, lengths of boundaries blocked by car parking are based on the assumption that possible parking places (spotted on weekdays) are fully used.

Distance to the community centre is the shortest distance from each site to the geographical centre of the community it belongs to.

2.1.2 BOUNDARIES & ENTRANCES

Findings：

· Some boundaries of public open spaces are enclosed walls, which decrease the accessibility of the sites.

· Some public open spaces don't have enough entrances.

2.1.3 CAR PARKING AROUND PUBLIC OPEN SPACES

Blocked Rate = Length of Blocked Boundaries Circumference Blocked

Findings：

• There are insufficient public open spaces in some communities.

• Some of the public open spaces are too small to support the daily activities of the elderly.

Mark2=2 0.90~0.99 Mark2=1

Findings：

· Some open boundaries are blocked by car parking which makes it inconvenient for the disabled elderly people to pass through.

Findings：

• Some public open spaces are far from the centre of the community they belong to, which discourages the elderly to use the space.

2.1.5 CONCLUSION: ASSESSMENT OF ACCESSIBILITY

Total Mark= (Mark1+Mark2+Mark3+ Number of Entrance)

Assessment of accessibility is based on the quantitative analysis of enclosed boundaries, the number of entrances, blocked boundaries and distances to the community centre.

2.2 ACTIVITIES

Public open space serves as places for people to do activities, so the improvement of public open spaces should be peopleoriented. Elderly people are spotted as the most common users in public open space. Therefore, this section analyses how the elderly use public open spaces and the demands of the elderly. The research was carried out through field observation and engagement with 36 elderly people.

2.2.1 SITE VISIT: POPULARITY OF EACH SITE

(figure 12)

Popularity of each site generally illustrates the elderly's preference for existing public open spaces. Characteristics of popular public open spaces can also provide foundations for the selection of position and function of new sites. The popularity of each site is analyzed through field observation on weekdays.

The marks from 1 to 4 are measured by the number of elderly people and the size of the site. 4 refers to the most popular sites where more than 2/3 of the total area in the site is occupied by the elderly. 3 refers to the situation where people occupied 1/4 to 2/3 of the total area in the site. 2 means there are less than 10 elderly people on the site or the area occupied by people is less than 1/4 of the site. 1 refers to the least popular sites which are observed to be empty for a long time or there are only 1-4 people at a certain time of a day.

It is observed that most of the concentrated parks with larger size are more frequently used than those scattered and small ones. Public open spaces with great accessibilities are better used than blocked or distant ones.

Public open spaces in Cuiyuan Community No.4 are relatively better used. The possible reason could be the skywalk system in this community.

Most of the public open spaces in Gudangwan Community are not used. It is probably due to the large amount of external population in this community. And the spaces in this community are also the least maintained ones.

2.2.2 SITE VISIT: PROVIDED FUNCTIONS IN EACH SITE (figure 13)

Existing functions provided by public open spaces are quite limited. Only 7 sites have space like squares for gathering. Most of the public open spaces are simply designed as winding paths with dense plants alongside. Facilities for rest and exercise are insufficient, especially in some small sites around dwellings.

2.2.3 SITE VISIT:

Actual Activities

AND

OCCUPIED BY THE ELDERLY (figure 14)

Places

Actual activities carried out by the elderly are more diversified than the functions provided in certain sites. And the elderly are spotted to occupy places which were not originally designed for activities.

2.2.4

INTERVIEW: ACTIVITIES OF THE ELDERLY

(figure 11)

4 of 36 people interviewed are selected to illustrate the daily routines of the elderly, their preferable places and their dissatisfaction.

According to the interview, 78% of elderly people take morning exercise and then go to the market nearby. Chatting with others, playing cards and exercise are the most common activities elderly people do in public open spaces.

Activities like taking care of grandchildren, quietly sitting alone and gardening are also spotted in public open spaces. Disabled elderly people tend to stay inside or sitting in the place near their flats because there are insufficient barrierfree facilities in each site.

2.2.5 INTERVIEW: DEMANDS OF THE ELDERLY

(figure 15)

According to the engagement with 36 elderly people and the comparison between provided functions in public open space and the actual activities of the elderly, demands of the elderly can be concluded as more sheltered space, more space for different activities, spaces in different scales, toilets, water dispenser, barrier-free facilities, and more available facilities.

3.1 INSUFFICIENT PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

According to the analysis of the size and distribution of each site and engagement with the elderly, there are insufficient public open spaces in the Cuiyuan Community. Insufficient public open space contributes to the elderly's unwillingness to take part in outdoor activities and may cause safety problems.

Although the greening rate in each community is not low, available public open spaces are limited, especially in Cuiyuan Community No.1, Cuiyuan Community No.2, Cuiyuan Community No.3 and Gudangwan Community. Many green spaces around dwellings have enough capacities in size to support activities but they do not serve as public open spaces. Therefore, many activities of the elderly happen outside public open spaces. It was observed that elderly people occupied road space and other unavailable green spaces for activities like hanging clothes, playing cards, gathering and so on.

3.2 LACK OF DIVERSITY

Analysis of provided functions and actual activities carried out by the elderly illustrates the lack of diversity in functions, spatial scales and facilities in public open spaces.

• Diversity in functions: The provided functions of public open space are limited and cannot support many activities that elderly people often do. The elderly have to bring their own chairs and tables into public open spaces to play cards, use public facilities to hang clothes and occupy green spaces for private gardening.

• Diversity in spatial scales : The spatial scales of each site are monotonous. Concentrated parks can provide space for gatherings of large groups, but are not friendly for those who need a quiet and small space to sit alone. Small and distant sites can provide relatively private space, but cannot accommodate people when they want to sit and chat together.

• Diversity in facilities : There are insufficient barrier-free facilities in public open spaces. And most facilities are designed according to universal human scale which may be unfriendly to elderly people.

3.3 LACK OF ACCESSIBILITIES

• Location: According to the interview with elderly people, they prefer to use public open spaces which are in 6-10 minutes' walk from their flat. Some public open spaces are located far from the centre of the community, so they are not frequently used by the elderly.

• Enclosed Boundaries (designed): Some boundaries of public open spaces were designed to be enclosed walls, which separate the site from the community and increase the difficulties in getting in.

• Blocked Boundaries (not designed): Some open boundaries of public open spaces are blocked by car parking, which makes the elderly and the disabled hard to get in.

3.4 IMPROPER PLANTING DESIGN

• Disorganized Vegetation: Some public open spaces are cluttered with vegetation and abandoned rest places, especially the riverside open space and small green spaces around dwellings. Messy vegetation also blocks sight and light, which makes elderly people feel unsafe.

• Improper Plants: Improper selection of plants contributes to many fallen leaves on the site. And there are some poisonous plants like oleander which may do harm to the health of the elderly.

3.5 LACK OF MANAGEMENT

• Car Parking: Illegal parking around public open spaces blocks the sceneries of public open spaces and increases the difficulties for the disabled. It may also lead to safety problems.

• Facility and Vegetation Maintenance: Many public facilities are broken and out of use. Vegetation is in bad condition in some places.

4 Strategies

Five feasible strategies are developed on the basis of the issues of public open space and the current situation of the Cuiyuan Community. These strategies are aimed to provide a safe, age-friendly and attractive living environment for seniors through the upgrade of public open spaces.

The five strategies include:

• Provide sufficient public open spaces

• Diversify public open spaces

• Improve connectivity

• Unify planting system

• Improve management

4.1 PROVIDE SUFFICIENT PUBLIC OPEN SPACES

Transforming some of the inaccessible green spaces around dwellings into public open spaces can alleviate the conflicts between elderly people's needs and insufficient activity space.

Elderly people could have more choices of activity sites and walking distance. Public open space closer to the dwellings also encourages those who are unwilling to use concentrated parks because of long walking distance or disabilities to participate in outdoor activities.

These new green spaces should:

• Have enough capacities to accommodate people and to support activities.

• Be located in various areas in communities to make sure that residents living in different parts of the community have easy access to public open spaces.

• Be accessible to the elderly.

4.2 DIVERSIFY PUBLIC OPEN SPACES

Diverse public open space can encourage people to carry out their daily activities in a safer and better-equipped place rather than somewhere unsafe. Certain functions in a certain site also promotes social interactions among people with similar interests.

1. Endow different public open spaces with different functions and equip sufficient facilities.

• Transform popular sites with relatively large size (larger than 1000 m²) into comprehensive space and equip each community with at least one comprehensive park. These sites should be close to the community centre and have the ability to support various activities like large group gathering, sitting, stroll, exercise, card-playing and children caring.

• Transform sites with great accessibility to exercise space and card-playing space. These sites could be scattered in different areas in communities to enable residents living in different residential areas to have easy access to exercise space and cardplaying space. Scattered exercise and card-playing space also encourage elderly people who dislike long walking distance to engage in more activities and social interactions.

• Transform sites in remote areas and some inaccessible green spaces around dwellings into nursery gardens and clothes hanging space. These sites should be located in the area where sunshine is sufficient and should be distant from the main vehicle ways.

• Transform more green spaces around dwellings into relax space. These sites can either be in small size or medium size. Small relax space near residential buildings provides the disabled and the elderly who prefer quietly staying alone with various and convenient choices.

2. Design space in various spatial scales from squares to small and private sitting space.

3. Increase elderly-friendly facilities.

• Increase barrier-free and age-friendly facilities in public open spaces and along walkways. These facilities may include slopes, banisters, benches with backs and so on.

• Increase the sheltered areas in public open spaces.

• Construct a few toilets and provide water dispensers in large-sized public open spaces.

• Increase recognizable signals in communities.

4. Provide flexible facilities.

Flexible facilities like movable tables and chairs enable elderly people to carry out activities in their preferable places on the site.

4.3 IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY

1. Create systematic walking system.

Creating a systematic walking system connecting currently scattered public open spaces in different communities makes it more convenient for the elderly to use public open spaces in different places. Elderly people can also have more choice of walking distance according to their preference.

2. Upgrade riverside green space.

Current riverside green space is nearly abandoned. It can help to connect different communities if it is well designed.

• Transform riverside green space into places for strolling, resting and sightseeing.

• Increase the number of entrances of riverside green space.

• Increase the number of entrances of community boundaries near the riverside. Some entrances could be closed during night time for security concerns.

3. Replace enclosed walls.

Some enclosed walls around public open spaces can be removed or transformed into fences to make the sites more accessible.

4.4 UNIFY PLANTING SYSTEM

1. Use various plants.

Various plants could be used to create a safe and pleasant environment for the elderly.

• Native plants are easier to maintain and give elderly people a sense of belonging.

• Plants with flowers or discolored leaves can change the sceneries in different seasons to enrich the visual experience.

• "Smellscape" created by aromatic plants can enrich the olfactory experience and make elderly people relaxed.

• Edible plants in nursery gardens encourage elderly people to take part in labor activities and help them gain a sense of achievement through gardening and harvest.

2. Unify the vegetation system and paving system. Unified vegetation system and paving system in communities could create a systematic environment.

Bench Light

3. Leave enough space for small squares, winding paths, sports facilities, relax facilities and lighting facilities.

4.5 IMPROVE MANAGEMENT

1. Restrictions & Guidance

Restrictions could be imposed on car parking along walkways and private occupancy of public open space. Community managers should guide vehicles to park in designated parking places and guide elderly people to carry out activities in proper sites.

2. Participation of the elderly

Elderly people could be encouraged to participate in the maintenance of the community environment. Retired elderly people usually have little work to do and have enough time to engage in maintenance activities. This can also give them a sense of achievement and participation and help them gain confidence.

A certain organization can be established by communities, elderly people or university students. The organization could organize activities like maintenance of vegetation and public facilities, traffic guidance and neighborhood assistance on a regular basis.

3. Regular community activities

Well-organized social activities on a regular basis can encourage the elderly to participate in more outdoor activities and have more social interactions with others.

CONNECTION / Design of Sanjiangkou

Landscape Design

Park

Site Location: XiangHu Lake, Hangzhou

Academic Work

Team Work, Reworked Individually in 10.2019

Instructor: Deng Yunlan

Urban residents always have a strong desire to get close to the nature. However, with the expansion of cities, natural landscapes are usually separated from the urban space.

Sanjiangkou park, located in the transition zone from nature to urban area, has a superior geographical location and rich natural resources. However, improper land use and the lack of management result in its current situation of being deserted. In my reconstruction work, Sanjiangkou Park is designed as a comprehensive park with the concept of connection. Nature and the city are connected through harmonious spatial transition. Isolated lake system is connected to the water system of three rivers, solving the current situation of pollution and waste of water. The historical culture is expressed in an entertaining way to meet visitors' needs of traveling or simply taking a rest.

Green System Water System

Road System

Unreasonable Use of Land

Loss of Historical and Cultural Spirit

Background

Sanjiangkou Park, with a total area of 45 hectares, is located on the west side of Xianghu Tourist Resort, and on the east side of the junction of Qiantang River, Fuchun River and Puyang River. The Park faces the Cultural and Creative Industry Park in the south, a technology zone on the northwest and Xianghu Residential Area in the north.

The northeast side of the site has a relatively integral green system while the west side is dominated by illegal structures. The water resource is abundant around the site. And the water system is integrated with Xianghu Lake on the east and Qiantang River on the west. The site is surrounded by 4 main roads - Yatai Road, Xiangshi Road, Xianghu Road and Times Avenue.

Current Issues

Water Pollution turbid water / dead aquatic animals & plants

Excessive Aquatic Plants excessive aquatic plants occupying the whole surface of water in some places

Disorganized Vegetation lack of planting design / fallen leaves / pests & diseases

Discontinuous Road System no continuous road system in the west / roads blocked by plants and abandoned structures

Potentials

Ecology continuous water system / abundant plants

Recourses abundant water resources / empty plots for reuse and revitalize / productive land

Ecological Degradation

Reclaimed Farmlands reclaimed farmlands by local people in the west of the site

Deserted Riparian Area deserted riparian area in the west and the northeast of the site

Blocked Water Body original water body blocked by illegal structures

Standardized Architecture buildings in standard antique style without any features related to the site

Tourism proximity to tourist resort, technology industry zone and residential area- tourists & visitors

History rich historical and cultural background

Connection As Strategy

Based on the idea of “Connection”, this project builds a public park and uses three ways to transform spatial obstacles into new connections and integrate them into a network. There are connections between ecology and human activity, nature and the city, and historical culture and modern society. Connections are presented by the spatial transition from the east to the west.

Connection 1 - Ecological Network

The ecological network is connected by water and vegetation systems. Ways of water purification are integrated with landscape and entertainment activities.

Hills and valleys are created in the northeast of the site to direct the flow of rainwater and rebuilt wildlife matrix. Native vegetation is used to re-establish the diverse vegetation community. Cabins are constructed in this area providing places for bird watching.

Hard artificial banks are replaced by natural sloping vegetated banks, and several wetlands are created to purify water and provide aquatic habitat.

These transformations could increase the resilience of the ecosystem and raise public awareness of ecology.

Connection 2 - Nature & City

Spatial transformation is introduced to integrate the natural resort on the east and the city on the west. The site, located in the transition area between nature and the city, is designed to be natural in the northeast part (Forest Exploration Area) and modern in the northwest part (Cultural Innovation Zone).

A hierarchical and continuous transport system is created inside the park. A skywalk weaving up to 4m is built, starting from natural resort on the east, winding through Sanjiangkou Park, connecting the park to the junction of Qiantang River, Fuchun River and Puyang River on the west, and providing different experience of entertainment in different sections.

Connection 3 - History & Modern Society

Cultural experience zone in the southeast of the site combines the strong historical and cultural backgrounds of Xianghu Lake with modern entertainment experience.

Xianghu Lake was originally a bay with several lagoons appeared afterwards. Therefore, the shoreline in the southeast of the park is changed circuitous to imitate the shape of lagoons. These special shaped "lagoons" also provide special sightseeing experience and purify water through wetland plants and slight topographic relief.

A pottery DIY studio and a cultural museum are built to memorize the culture of manufacture of bricks and tiles.

The site was used as farmlands in a period of time. Agricultural activities in this zone like picking native edible plants can call back the memory of historical periods and enrich visitors' experience. The site is characterized with empty plots and productive lands, which also contribute to the potential for agricultural production.

The west of the site is close to urban space. Therefore, structures, pavements and activities in this area are more modern to match with the modern society. An ecological education area and a cultural innovation zone are established in the west of the park.

1 Trail Connecting to Xianghu Tourist Resort

2 Sanjiangkou Trail

3 Parking Lot

4 "Qixia" Cabins

5 "Zhenqu" Yoga Islands

6 "Liubi" Cabins

7 "Diecui" Forest

8 Slides from Skywalk to Squares

9 Slides from Skywalk to Squares

10 "Suxin" Yoga Islands

11 Water Monitoring Station

12 "Qingxue" Pier

13 Entrance Plaza

14 Parking Lot

15 Aquatic Plants for Agricultural Activities

16 Edible Plants for Agricultural Activities

17 "Sanjiangkou" Cultural Museum

18 "Weiliao" Square

19 "Qiyun" Rolling Path

20 Cultural Innovation Area

21 "Chunlan" Plaza

22 "Xunfeng" Pier

23 Rain Garden

• Cultural Experience Zone combines activities and the history of Xianghu Lake together.

• Forest Exploration Area enables tourists to return to nature.

• Ecological Education Area introduces methods of water purification to visitors.

• Cultural Innovation Zone provides places for catering, festivals and selling cultural and creative products.

• Sanjiangkou Park is vehicle-free inside.

• Main roads with a width of 5m form a loop to meet fire demands.

• Skywalk weaving up to 4m runs through main scenic spots, connecting Sanjiangkou Park to the trails along Qiantang River.

• Original parking lots and two main entrances are reserved. One main entrance near the river and two secondary entrances are built.

• In order to imitate nature and collect rainwater, the terrain in the northeast of the site fluctuates greatly.

• The original terrain in the southeast side of the site is retained, but the shoreline is made more tortuous.

• The terrain on the west side is relatively flat, supporting various entertainment activities.

Functional Diagram

24 Floating Wetlands

25 "Chengguan" Plaza

26 Ecological Tree Pool

27 Ecological Education Hall

28 Trails along Qiantang River

29 Platform over Qiantang River

Road System

Topography Design

Cultural Experience Zone Forest Exploration Area

Natural Banks

Sloping vegetated banks along lakes purify water and provide aquatic habitats.

Edible Plants

Empty plots and productive lands make it possible for agricultural activities like edible plants picking, which helps city residents return to the nature.

Topography

Changes in topography create small hills and valleys to reflect the old time when Xianghu Lake is surrounded by mountains and help to direct the flow of rainwater.

Native Plants

Native plants help to re-establish diverse vegetation communities and create a complex habitat system and wildlife matrix. Activities like birdwatching, drifting, forest exploration help to enrich the experience of visitors.

Mulch Layer Mulch Layer

Amended Soil

Sand

Crushed Gravel

Underdrain

Amended Soil

Filter Fabric

Underdrain

Crushed Gravel

Cultural Innovation Industry

Cultural Innovation Zone supports cultural creative industries. There are handicrafts studio, small exhibition hall, photography base and painting studio in this zone. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to meet visitors' needs for meals and rest.

Water Purification

Various methods of water purification are implied in this area. The rain garden, ecological tree pool, eco-stagnation pool, grass swale and ecological pavements help to collect and purify rainwater. The collected rainwater could be used to supplement groundwater, sprinkler irrigation, toilet water, etc. Floating wetlands consist of islets of wetland plants that can purify water. These islets are not accessible but can be appreciated from the skywalk above.

Ecological Education

An ecological education hall is established in the west of this area. Methods of water purification and other ways of protecting the ecology are presented inside the hall.

Landscape sketch like educational wall, grassy knoll and "Chengguan" Plaza near the water introduce theory of ecology into entertainment facilities, which can better enrich visitors' travel experience and raise their awareness of environmental protection.

Rooftop gardens on buildings help to collect rainwater in this area.

The "Weiliao" Square on the wetland island could be used for concerts and festivals.

Night markets and weekend markets could attract more visitors and provide shopkeepers with more opportunities to sell goods.

The main road running through this area could lead to a platform over the Qiantang River, which provides a magnificent river view for visitors.

INTERACTION / Upgrade of Google Maps App

Human - Computer Interaction Design

Undergraduate Academic Work

Team Work (Prototype Design Finished Individually)

Instructor: Chen Yongting 03.2019 - 06.2019

Due to the development of technology, the information system of the city, people's traditional life, and the function of existing elements in the city have changed. Marshall Mcluhan even said in 1967 that "The city no longer exists except as a cultural ghost for tourists."

During my half-year stay in Tunghai University in Taiwan, I was impressed by the importance of electronic information network in exploring cities for travelers. Therefore, I chose Google Maps app and travelers as objects, and developed a "travelers' map" plug-in prototype to provide travelers with more pleasant and personalized experience.

The main upgrades are multi-destination route planning and more comprehensive route recommendation. Travelers can also buy tickets, pay for certain service or even socialize through the app. In addition, the prototype also improves some of the unpleasant operations, such as changing some of the operations from sliding up and down to sliding left and right, setting the "explore nearby" as a text input box so that users can quickly complete the operation of exploring the neighborhood of a distant area, etc.

Diversified functions can not only grasp more users, but also attract commercial investment as advertising. Diverse route networks can promote tourism, or even make some unpopular areas alive. City sightseeing routes and new travel district like ArtDist may rise.

Young People

Middle-aged People & the Elderly

Travel-Related Functions

Convenient Service Functions

Problems about Visual Communication

Problems about Operations

Problems about Information Presentation

Analyze Sweet Points and Pain Points by Principles of Human Machine Interaction

20-year Old College Student

User Journey Map

The History of Google Maps App Interface Characteristics Possible Future Development of Maps and Navigation App

Travelers' Map

Plug-in

Problems immediately needed to solve (severity score over 3)

• Users cannot sort or filter attractions based on their means of transport and the required arrival time.

• The function "Explore Nearby" can only be performed in current location, or users should manually move the map to another area to explore the neighborhood.

• Users are unable to get continuous route plan directly on the map.

• The recommended bus route are not actually the best choice. Some routes are hidden and users cannot choose the route they want.

• When searching for an attraction, the recommendation interface will block the map. At this time, the back button will be subconsciously pressed, and the interface for exploring attractions will disappear.

Choose an Interface Persona Emotional Journey Think Purpose Pain Points

Touch Point

Sweet Points

Analyze Users Select a Mission Decide the Object of the Upgrade

More Realistic, Accurate, and Easy Operated 3D Real-world Map

More Accurate Indoor Navigation Map

Personalized Map

Analyze Each Stages of the Mission by Principles of Human Computer Interaction

Engagement with Target Users

Heuristic Evaluation Upgrade Functions, Structure and Each Stages

Young People

More Convenient Voice Navigation Direct Access to the Onboard Display Screen

Personalized Map

Young People

Middle-aged People & the Elderly

Artificial Intelligence Map

Features

• They have strong cognitive ability, self-confidence, and willingness to learn.

• They have little fear or anxiety about electronic products or apps, and they tend to explore the operations by themselves rather than follow specific methods provided by apps.

• They usually have basic experience with Google Maps App or related map products. So they can quickly acquire operation of similar apps.

• They are not satisfied with the basic functions provided by the map navigation app. There are needs for social and entertainment interaction.

• They like to receive information by means of pictures and texts, and generally prefer the form of texts.

• They tend to combine relevant experiences in the past and realities when making decisions.

• They usually use the Google Maps app when traveling.

Debriefing Severity Rating Conclusion

Origin Interface Structure Diagram

Origin Action Flow Chart

Develop the First Version of the Prototype Develop the Final Version of the Prototype

Google Maps App Functional Structure Diagram

Cognitive Walkthrough Fix Problems

New Interface Structure Diagram

New Action Flow Chart

GOMS