Evaluation of Public Space in Beijing’s Old Residential Communities from a Female-Friendly Perspective

Abstract

Female-friendly public spaces are crucial for the sustainable development of old residential communities. To advance the development of female-friendly public spaces in Beijing’s old residential communities, this study employs a method that integrates the Kano model with an importance–performance analysis. The research focuses on the public spaces of Baiwanzhuang in Beijing, specifically targeting female users. Field research, including interviews and surveys, is conducted to understand women’s needs in these spaces. Based on this, an evaluation index system is developed, and data from questionnaires distributed to women are analyzed using the Kano model and importance–performance metrics. The study classifies female users into four age groups to address their specific needs and proposes targeted strategies for enhancing female-friendly features in public spaces. This paper proposes a quantitative evaluation method for public spaces in old residential communities of Beijing, which combines the Kano model with IPA and is grounded in the perspective of female-friendliness. This research offers valuable insights for the revitalization of old residential communities and support for the diversification of public areas. The results indicate that increasing the types of public spaces, enriching public space facilities, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of public spaces, and promoting social care can improve the female-friendly level of public spaces in old residential communities.

1. Introduction

With the increasing emphasis on fostering gender-friendly environments, the exploration of women and spatial dynamics has gained significant momentum. The investigation into female-friendly spaces dates back to 1995, predominantly concentrating on elements such as female commuting patterns [1] and visual privacy [2]. In 2006, the United Nations launched the “UN Program for Female-Friendly Cities [3]”, establishing a profound link between women’s rights and the urban landscape. Following this, UN-Habitat spearheaded research on women’s housing and land concerns [4], as well as their experiences in public spaces [5]. The UN Development Programme’s 2022 report, “Designing Cities for Women [6]”, underscored four pivotal themes: safety and security, justice and equality, health and well-being, and the fulfillment of personal value. These themes emerged from an in-depth analysis of women’s needs and aspirations. Recently, China has made strides in implementing gender-sensitive policies. For instance, Shenzhen led the way in 2021 by establishing “Female Equality Demonstration Points [7]”, advocating for amenities like breastfeeding rooms and leisure spaces tailored to women. That same year, Changsha introduced initiatives aimed at creating a “Female-Friendly City [8]”, advocating for enhanced comfort and experiences in public spaces for women.

In the context of China’s rapid urbanization, urban renewal [9] has become a pivotal aspect of the country’s urban development trajectory. The revitalization of old residential communities [10] stands out as a key strategy in fostering livable cities [11]. Aligned with the overarching policies of the people’s city [12] initiative, these renewal efforts not only emphasize the physical transformation of spaces but also prioritize the harmonious integration of residents’ public activities and communal areas. Numerous Chinese scholars have contributed to the discourse on the spatial renewal of aging residential communities. Their deliberations predominantly encompass three primary domains: (1) research on the renovation of building spaces within old residential communities [13], focusing on architectural aesthetics, internal public spaces [14], layout designs [15], and aspects such as lighting and ventilation [16]; (2) studies addressing the upgrade of infrastructural facilities in old residential communities [17], tackling issues related to sanitation systems [18], lighting setups [19], heating equipment [20], and civil defense spaces [21]; (3) investigations into the renewal of public spaces in old residential communities, addressing issues related to green areas [22], road networks [23], street furniture [24], and spatial configurations [25]. In recent years, there has been a surge in studies dedicated to age-friendly communities [26] and child-friendly environments [27]. Currently, the research landscape regarding public spaces in old residential communities is undergoing a shift. This evolution moves beyond case studies rooted in theoretical frameworks and field investigations [28], progressing towards the formulation of locally tailored renovation strategies informed by multidisciplinary insights and data-driven assessments [29].

Scholars in China have offered valuable insights into public space research from a female perspective, primarily concentrating on spatial and safety needs. He Hao (2007) examined key aspects of urban public space design through the lens of women’s experiences, emphasizing safety, accessibility, and uniqueness [30]. Chu Chaochao (2016) approached the topic from the standpoint of gender differences, proposing measures and strategies to enhance the quality of urban public spaces, using the Shilu commercial pedestrian street in Suzhou as a case study [31]. Li Lixin and Zheng Yaqi (2020) explored the principles and essential elements of gender-sensitive design in public spaces, with a specific emphasis on women’s safety [32]. Huang Qianyuan (2023) investigated the living environments of urban women who live alone and suggested design strategies for the design of both indoor spaces and community public areas tailored to the needs of single women [33].

In evaluating public spaces within old residential communities, numerous scholars have contributed valuable insights. Zelin Zhang and colleagues assessed intergenerational equity in public spaces from the perspective of all-age sharing [34]. J.Y. Dong and other researchers analyzed the design methodology of residential public spaces, which informed evaluations of their appropriateness and guided subsequent design improvements [35]. Mayam Shabak and her team employed SPSS and descriptive analysis to identify the most crucial elements in community public spaces [36]. Jiwen Han and his associates used factor analysis and the analytic hierarchy process to develop an evaluation framework for age-friendly public spaces in affordable housing communities in Shenzhen [37]. Nuo Chen and Dewei Fang utilized gradient boosting decision trees and impact-asymmetric analysis to pinpoint key factors influencing public space satisfaction, examining the asymmetric relationship between environmental characteristics and resident satisfaction to establish priorities for public space improvements [38]. Cao Yidan and Tang Xiaomin evaluated the renewing effects of community public spaces through social network analysis [39].

Currently, research on public space assessment in old residential communities primarily centers on resident satisfaction and age-friendliness. These evaluations rely on data, statistics, and analysis to identify improvement areas. However, most studies emphasize senior- and child-friendliness, with limited attention given to the relationship between women and public spaces in these neighborhoods. This paper addresses this gap by exploring public spaces from a woman-friendly perspective. The objective of this paper is to propose a quantitative analysis method for evaluating public spaces in old residential communities from the perspective of female-friendliness, and to suggest optimization strategies for the current state of these spaces. It investigates how female users interact with these spaces and evaluates them through a gender-sensitive lens. This paper adopts the Kano model, which, compared to SPSS 16.0 analysis and descriptive analysis, which focus on statistical analysis and a description of the data, is more suitable for categorizing and prioritizing user needs. However, the Kano model also has some limitations. This paper combines the Kano model with IPA to more accurately and reasonably classify the hierarchy of female users’ needs, providing a basis for optimizing female-friendly public spaces. This approach provides new insights into the renewal of old residential communities and enhances the “people-centered” governance framework, thereby promoting more harmonious social development.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Female Characteristics

Women often have smaller physiques and exhibit lower physical strength, making them more prone to fatigue and vulnerability. Physiologically, women are generally more sensitive than men. They also go through specific life stages—such as menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause—each of which has unique requirements [40]. Psychologically, women are often characterized by sensitivity, passivity, and complexity. In certain spatial contexts, they show increased sensitivity, relying on a combination of emotional responses, cognitive processes, and personal experiences to perceive and evaluate their environments [41].

During environmental cognition, women may adopt a more passive stance, perceiving themselves as separate from their surroundings. This passivity might lead them to accept their spatial context rather than actively exploring or modifying it. Women often pay significant attention to spatial details, reflecting a thorough concern for environmental design elements. Their nuanced perception enables them to detect subtle changes in their environments.

Research has indicated that, in a statistical sense, women have lower spatial abilities than men, and women tend to find navigation more challenging [42]. Women tend to exhibit a strong inclination towards conformity within groups, often aligning their behaviors with others to maintain harmony. This tendency is likely due to their high regard for teamwork and interpersonal relationships. Under similar conditions, women are more susceptible to self-suggestion compared to men, which can influence their behaviors. They may excel at using this psychological mechanism to subtly influence others, possibly due to their nuanced and sensitive communication skills. In outdoor recreational spaces, women generally prefer activities that offer comfort, relaxation, and high safety levels, whereas men might be more inclined towards participatory and socially engaging activities.

2.2. Women-Friendly Public Spaces

Women-friendly public spaces are designed with attention to the needs and safety of women, encompassing aspects of design, management, services, and cultural atmosphere. These spaces not only offer practical facilities, such as clear signage, adequate lighting, security surveillance, and emergency call systems, but also aim to create an environment that is respectful and supportive of women. By fostering an atmosphere where women can move freely, engage in social activities, and feel secure, these spaces address women’s specific needs with careful consideration.

An ideal public space should accommodate diverse behavioral patterns and psychological needs, while also respecting individual preferences. Examining the public spaces in older neighborhoods through a women-friendly lens represents an advancement of the “people-centered” approach. This perspective not only meets the varied needs of residents but also enhances the quality and management of public spaces in old residential communities. It provides a fresh viewpoint for designing human-centered public spaces, as illustrated in Figure 1.

2.3. The KANO Model

The KANO Model [43] is a tool for categorizing and prioritizing user needs, evaluating how these needs influence user satisfaction. It captures the nonlinear relationship between product performance and user satisfaction. This model classifies needs into five categories, must-have (M), one-dimensional (O), attractive (A), indifferent (I), and reverse (R), as shown in Figure 2.

The analytical process of the KANO model involves several key steps. First, gather requirements and identify the research subjects. Next, conduct positive and negative inquiries with users (e.g., “How would you feel if a particular feature is present or absent?”). Finally, perform a categorical analysis by overlaying the results from the KANO questionnaire with the importance of the requirements. A comparative reference of the KANO model evaluation results is illustrated in

Table 1. Classification reference of KANO model evaluation results.

Function/Service		Negative Questions
		Like (5 Points)	Must Be (4 Points)	Neutral (3 Points)	Live with (2 Points)	Dislike (1 Point)
Positive Questions	Like (5 points)	Q	A	A	A	O
	Must be (4 points)	R	I	I	I	M
	Neutral (3 points)	R	I	I	I	M
	Live with (2 points)	R	I	I	I	M
	Dislike (1 point)	R	R	R	R	Q

A: attractive, O: one-dimensional, M: must-have, I: indifferent, R: reverse, Q: questionable.

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The Kano model identifies attributes using a “maximization” approach, which is fundamentally a qualitative analysis. This method may introduce some bias in the results. To improve accuracy, the Better–Worse coefficient analysis is introduced, offering a quantitative perspective of the problem. The calculations are as follows:

(1)

Better = (O + A)/(M + O + A + I)

(2)

Worse = (−1) × (O + M)/(M + O + A + I)

In these formulas, the Better coefficient represents the level of user satisfaction when a particular need is fulfilled, while the Worse coefficient indicates dissatisfaction when a need is unmet. A scatter plot is created with the Better coefficient on the x-axis and the Worse coefficient on the y-axis. Based on the Better–Worse coefficients, the plot is divided into four quadrants, as shown in Figure 3.

The first quadrant represents “one-dimensional attributes”, where providing the feature increases user satisfaction, while its absence decreases satisfaction. The second quadrant signifies “must-have attributes”, where satisfaction does not increase with the feature’s presence, but its absence leads to a significant drop in satisfaction. The third quadrant is labeled “indifferent attributes”, where user satisfaction remains unchanged regardless of the feature’s availability, indicating these are aspects users consider unimportant. The fourth quadrant includes “attractive attributes”, where the absence of the feature does not affect satisfaction, but its presence significantly boosts satisfaction. The priority order for addressing needs is as follows: must-have attributes > one-dimensional attributes > attractive attributes > indifferent attributes.

2.4. IPA

Importance–performance analysis (IPA) [44] is a method that visualizes data using an IPA quadrant diagram [45] to intuitively assess the importance and satisfaction levels of the research subjects. This method typically involves distributing questionnaires to respondents, who evaluate various metrics of the products and services in question based on both importance and satisfaction. Importance refers to how significant respondents perceive a product or service to be during their experience, while satisfaction measures how pleased they are with that experience.

In the analysis, satisfaction is plotted on the horizontal axis and importance on the vertical axis. The four quadrants are defined based on the average values of importance and satisfaction, as shown in Figure 4. The first quadrant is labeled “Keep up the good work”, where factors are both important and yield high satisfaction, indicating that they should be maintained. The second quadrant is labeled “Concentrate area”, where factors are important but have low satisfaction, highlighting the need for targeted improvements. The third quadrant is labeled “Low priority”, where both importance and satisfaction are low, suggesting that improvements can be addressed at a later stage. The fourth quadrant is labeled “Additional resource”, where factors are of low importance but lead to high satisfaction.

3. Evaluation and Results

3.1. Research Areas and Targets

3.1.1. Classification of Public Spaces in Old Residential Communities

The research site is the Baiwanzhuang [46] in Xicheng District [47], Beijing, as shown in Figure 5. This community serves as a typical example of Beijing’s older residential areas [48], featuring a high population density and a mix of structural types. The public spaces within the community are multifaceted in function and varied in their types. Baiwanzhuang is notable for its rich historical heritage, collective community memories, and architectural diversity, making it a valuable reference for studies of other old residential communities, as illustrated in Figure 6.

To gain a deeper understanding of the behavioral activities of female users in public spaces, particularly their spatial preferences, public spaces are categorized based on their functions into four types—public passage spaces, recreational interaction spaces, landscape viewing spaces, and private resting spaces—as detailed in

Table 2. Types of public space.

Category	Clarification	Example	Icon
Public passage spaces	Traffic space and stay space
Recreational interaction spaces	Community entrance space, central plaza, and children’s playground
Landscape viewing spaces	Central landscape, front yard landscape, and landscape features
Private resting spaces	Independent facility space and isolated landscape space.

. Public passage spaces provide women with areas for quick transit and brief stays. Recreational interaction spaces offer entertainment and interactive opportunities, serving as venues for socializing and childcare. Landscape-viewing spaces create calming environments for women. Private resting spaces provide women with more secluded areas for relaxation.

3.1.2. Analysis of Female User Behavior

From the analysis of female characteristics above, it is evident that there are significant physiological and psychological differences among women at different age stages, as shown in Figure 6. Therefore, the needs of women of varying ages also differ. To comprehensively address the needs of the female population, women are classified into four categories based on age—girls under 18, young women aged 18–28, mothers aged 28–50, and elderly women over 50—as illustrated in Figure 7. By studying these four age groups, we can obtain more accurate insights into women’s needs. Through field observations of women’s activity patterns and face-to-face interviews, we identify the needs of women regarding public spaces.

The daily activity trajectories of women across four age groups were observed, and their activities in various public spaces were statistically analyzed and summarized to identify the characteristics specific to each age group, as depicted in Figure 8. Girls often participate in group activities in open spaces, such as central squares and children’s playgrounds, after meals. Young women, who have shorter durations of community activity, generally favor public passageways and central landscapes, which offer a higher degree of public accessibility. Mothers typically frequent highly public areas such as community entrances as well as more private resting spaces. Elderly women tend to engage in longer community activities and prefer open public spaces, including community entrances, central squares, and central landscapes.

A total of 28 female users were interviewed in this session, covering four different age groups, including residents, tenants, and potential users of various types of public spaces, with participants from different professional backgrounds, as shown in Figure 9. The duration of their activities in public spaces was also collected to comprehensively gather information on the needs and intentions of the individuals involved. In the research, four representative cases were selected from the population of different ages, as seen in

Table 3. Representative cases of interviews.

Sample Type	Interviewee Profile	Feedback on the Content of the Interviews
girl	A 12-year-old girl, in the fifth grade of elementary school; lives with her grandparents.	She enjoys participating in activities with other girls and prefers quiet activities, usually within the courtyard. Boys generally congregate at the community center, each having their own “territories”.
Young women	A 21-year-old woman, a university student, who has lived in the community for a long time.	She usually engages in activities as part of her family unit. Due to the lack of diverse, aesthetically pleasing, and engaging facilities, she does not often participate in activities within the community.
mother	A 35-year-old mother with an 8-year-old child; a community worker.	She needs to constantly watch over her child and is concerned about the child being injured. The child’s daily activities constitute her entire activity. There is a lack of facilities, and taking the child out requires carrying a lot of things.
elderly women	A 71-year-old retired woman, who has lived in the community for a long time.	She has a reduced social circle and engages in relatively monotonous activities. Her activity routes are highly similar to those of other elderly people, leading to a somewhat monotonous lifestyle.

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Summary of female needs based on interviews: Girls prefer quiet and private spaces but also require diverse environments that support various activities. Young women, characterized by high curiosity and a desire for exploration, find that current spaces often fall short of meeting their needs. Mothers seek open areas that allow them to supervise their children while also engaging in their own activities, alongside a need for increased storage space. Elderly women desire enhanced opportunities for social interaction in public spaces. Therefore, when optimizing public spaces, subtle motivational effects on behavioral patterns should be considered.

Based on an analysis of female behavior across spatial and temporal dimensions and interviews, combined with feedback from different age groups, the core issues and potential improvements for public spaces can be summarized as follows:

For girls, it is crucial to expand activity options to prevent feelings of alienation or discomfort, especially when encountering groups of boys in public spaces. This will help to ensure that girls do not feel compelled to withdraw from these environments. For young women, spaces and facilities should be enriched to cater to their exploratory and curious nature. The environment should be made more engaging and stimulating to match their high level of curiosity. For mothers, spaces should be designed to accommodate both childcare and personal activities. It is important to integrate areas that support both supervision and personal entertainment or social interactions. For elderly women, given their often reduced and relatively monotonous social activities, space redesigns should focus on providing opportunities that encourage social engagement and interaction, giving elderly individuals a “push” towards increased socialization.

3.2. Evaluation Index System

Drawing from an exploration of female psychological, physiological, and behavioral characteristics, and informed by field research and interviews about existing issues in public spaces, a set of evaluation indicators was developed. These indicators were refined through literature reviews and expert consultations. The evaluation system addresses the safety and experiential needs of women in public spaces, recognizing their tendency to act as “observers” at the edges of spaces and their preference for private, well-landscaped environments. Consequently, the evaluation indicators are categorized into three main aspects: the physiological, psychological, and behavioral characteristics of women. The indicators are divided into four primary categories and twenty-two secondary indicators, as detailed in

Table 4. Evaluation indicator system.

Primary Indicators	Secondary Indicators	Description
Traffic Safety	Road accessibility	Good road accessibility within the community, with no intersections.
	Pedestrian system	Roads within the community are well-paved, non-slip, brightly colored, and paved with materials convenient for stroller use.
	Staircase	Parking within the community is orderly, and parking planning does not occupy spaces for women’s activities.
	Surface parking plan	Equipped with non-slip measures, adequate lighting, and stairwells that are user-friendly for women.
	Marking system	The community has traffic signs and night lighting systems that are easy for women to recognize.
Public Facilities	Commercial facilities	The community has a variety of evenly distributed commercial service facilities.
	Healthcare facilities	The community has a community health service station or nearby hospital/clinic.
	Safe facilities for children’s activities	Children’s activity spaces are fenced and have planted tree walls to facilitate childcare by women.
	Elderly service facilities	The community has elderly service facilities such as a senior community service center or elderly care homes.
	Cultural and entertainment facilities	The community has cultural and recreational facilities that meet the needs of various groups.
	Rest seats	Public spaces are equipped with seating for rest, with a reasonable and even layout.
Outdoor Activity Comfort	Balanced distribution of outdoor space	Activity spaces are evenly and reasonably distributed.
	Participability of outdoor Space	Public spaces are appropriately scaled and capable of hosting various activities, with high female participation.
	Defensibility of outdoor space	Peripheral areas have good security systems, with a defensible space design and unobstructed sightlines in public spaces.
	Recognizability of outdoor space	Public space routes mainly use simple linear or open circular designs with continuity elements, clear directions, prominent main entrances, and few forks.
	Decoration	Building facades and landscape features (sculptures, water features) are aesthetically pleasing, and the materials and color-coordination of public space surfaces are comfortable.
	Outdoor green space	High greenery rate in public spaces, with a rich seasonal variety of plants.
	Plant configuration	Plant arrangement is reasonable, with no thorny, poisonous plants, or plants with exposed roots.
Cultural Environment Harmony	Relationships between neighbors	Public spaces are rich in layers, with smooth transitions and effective connections between independent spaces, facilitating female social interactions and harmonious neighborhood relations.
	Sense of community belonging	Women are generally satisfied with the functionality, aesthetics, and accessibility of community public spaces.
	Community participation	Public spaces have diverse functions and activity types, with high levels of female participation in community activities.
	Community harmony	Public spaces are suitable for use by various groups, including women, with a high degree of harmony.

. The primary categories include traffic safety, the completeness of public facilities, the livability of outdoor activities, and a harmonious cultural environment.

3.3. Evaluation of Public Spaces in Old Residential Communities

3.3.1. The KANO Model

Based on the aforementioned indicators, a questionnaire was distributed to female users of public spaces in Baiwanzhuang. The questionnaire included questions addressing each indicator to collect ratings regarding the importance of, satisfaction with, and an overall assessment of the indicators. A total of 280 questionnaires were distributed to female participants across four age groups for this survey. The results of the questionnaire were compiled, and the needs of female users were categorized, as shown in

Table 5. The KANO model analysis results.

Function/Service	A	O	M	I	R	Q	Results	Better	Worse
Road accessibility	25.00%	4.17%	37.50%	33.33%	0.00%	0.00%	Must-have	29.17%	−41.67%
Pedestrian system	25.00%	41.67%	8.33%	25.00%	0.00%	0.00%	One-dimensional	66.67%	−50.00%
Staircase	0.00%	37.50%	50.00%	12.50%	0.00%	0.00%	Must-have	37.50%	−87.50%
Surface parking plan	16.67%	29.17%	37.50%	16.67%	0.00%	0.00%	Must-have	45.84%	−66.66%
Marking system	0.00%	66.67%	8.33%	25.00%	0.00%	0.00%	One-dimensional	66.67%	−75.00%
Commercial facilities	58.33%	0.00%	0.00%	41.67%	0.00%	0.00%	Attractive	58.33%	0.00%
Healthcare facilities	4.16%	16.67%	12.50%	66.67%	0.00%	0.00%	Indifferent	20.84%	−29.17%
Safe facilities for children’s activities	12.50%	4.17%	41.67%	29.17%	12.50%	0.00%	Must-have	19.05%	−52.38%
Elderly service facilities	16.67%	0.00%	50.00%	29.17%	0.00%	4.17%	Must-have	17.39%	−52.17%
Cultural and entertainment facilities	0.00%	0.00%	45.83%	50.00%	4.17%	0.00%	Indifferent	0.00%	−47.82%
Rest seats	4.17%	29.17%	45.83%	20.83%	0.00%	0.00%	Must-have	33.34%	−75.00%
Balanced distribution of outdoor space	45.83%	8.33%	8.33%	37.50%	0.00%	0.00%	Attractive	54.17%	−16.66%
Participation in outdoor space	20.83%	12.50%	8.33%	58.33%	0.00%	0.00%	Indifferent	33.33%	−20.83%
Defensibility of outdoor space	20.83%	4.17%	4.17%	70.83%	0.00%	0.00%	Indifferent	25.00%	−8.34%
Recognizability of outdoor space	16.67%	29.17%	16.67%	37.50%	0.00%	0.00%	Indifferent	45.84%	−45.84%
Decoration	33.33%	20.83%	29.17%	16.67%	0.00%	0.00%	Attractive	54.16%	−50.00%
Outdoor green space	20.83%	50.00%	16.67%	12.50%	0.00%	0.00%	One-dimensional	70.83%	−66.67%
Plant configuration	25.00%	41.67%	4.17%	25.00%	0.00%	4.17%	One-dimensional	69.56%	−47.83%
Relationships between neighbors	50.00%	25.00%	8.33%	12.50%	4.17%	0.00%	Attractive	78.26%	−34.78%
Sense of community belonging	45.83%	25.00%	12.50%	16.67%	0.00%	0.00%	Attractive	70.83%	−37.50%
Community participation	62.50%	8.33%	8.33%	12.50%	8.33%	0.00%	Attractive	77.27%	−18.18%
Community harmony	41.67%	25.00%	4.17%	29.17%	0.00%	0.00%	Attractive	66.66%	−29.17%

Note: A: attractive; O: one-dimensional; M: must-have; I: indifferent; R: reverse; Q: questionable.

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A Better–Worse coefficient analysis was performed, as shown in Figure 10. Commercial facilities, a balanced distribution of outdoor space, community harmony, community participation, sense of community belonging, and neighborly relations are located in the first quadrant, which denote attractive aspects. The defensibility of the outdoor space, participation in the outdoor space, healthcare facilities, and road accessibility are located in the second quadrant, which contains indifferent aspects. At present, female users are not concerned about the indifferent aspects. Elderly service facilities, the recognizability of the outdoor spaces, safety facilities for children’s activities, cultural and entertainment facilities, surface parking plans, rest seats, and staircases are located in the third quadrant, which are must-have needs. The decoration, plant configurations, pedestrian system, marking system, and outdoor green spaces are located in the fourth quadrant, which contains one-dimensional needs.

3.3.2. IPA

Using importance–performance analysis (IPA) to further explore the priority of evaluation factors, a scatter plot was created with satisfaction on the x-axis and importance on the y-axis, as illustrated in Figure 11. The first quadrant is labeled “Keep Up the Good Work”. The second quadrant is labeled “Concentrate Area”. The third quadrant is labeled “Low Priority”. The fourth quadrant is labeled “Additional Resources”. The priority for improvement, from highest to lowest, is as follows: “Concentrate Area”, followed by “Low Priority”, “Keep Up the Good Work”, and lastly, “Additional Resources”.

During specific prioritization, the preliminary determination of priority is made through a comprehensive analysis of Kano attributes and IPA quadrants. For elements within the same Kano attribute and IPA quadrant, when the importance–performance (I/P) ratio is higher, indicating higher importance but lower satisfaction, such elements should be prioritized over elements with a lower importance–performance (I/P) ratio. Elements located in the second and third quadrants should be prioritized for improvement, while elements in the first and fourth quadrants should be prioritized for maintenance. The specific data analysis conclusions are shown in

Table 6. Prioritization of service quality elements in public space.

Service Quality Element	Classification	Performance	Importance	I/P	Improvement Order	Keep Order
Road accessibility	Concentrate area	2.35	4.45	1.89	3
Pedestrian system	Concentrate area	2.28	4.34	1.90	2
Staircase	Low priority	2.01	3.22	1.60	10
Above-ground parking plan	Concentrate area	2.78	4.58	1.65	7
Marking system	Concentrate area	2.67	4.42	1.66	6
Commercial facilities	Concentrate area	2.35	4.54	1.93	1
Healthcare facilities	Keep up the good work	3.21	4.17	1.30		3
Safe facilities for children’s activities	Additional resource	2.88	2.13	0.74		9
Elderly service facilities	Concentrate area	2.58	4.43	1.72	5
Cultural and entertainment facilities	Additional resource	3.21	3.43	1.07		7
Rest seats	Low priority	2.46	2.71	1.10	13
Attached public seating	Keep up the good work	3.12	4.21	1.35		1
Participation in outdoor space	Concentrate area	2.78	4.16	1.50	9
Defensibility of outdoor space	Keep up the good work	3.22	4.32	1.34		2
Recognizability of outdoor space	Concentrate area	2.78	4.32	1.55	8
Decoration	Low priority	2.45	3.01	1.23	12
Outdoor green space	Concentrate area	2.31	4.12	1.78	4
Plant configuration	Low priority	2.76	3.57	1.29	11
Neighborly relations	Additional resource	3.10	2.65	0.85		8
Sense of community belonging	Additional resource	3.17	3.54	1.12		6
Community involvement	Keep up the good work	4.34	4.27	0.98		5
Community harmony	Keep up the good work	3.54	3.98	1.12		4

.

4. Discussion

4.1. Female Users’ Requirement Type Analysis

Female users of public spaces in Baiwanzhuang were categorized into four age groups: girls under 18 years old, young women aged 18–28, mothers aged 28–50, and elderly women over 50. This study aims to provide support and justification for the renovation of old residential community public spaces by examining the types and importance of needs among female users of different age groups. We analyzed the data using the Kano model and further examined the types of needs for each age group with the Better–Worse coefficient, as shown in Figure 12.

The analysis of the Better–Worse results matrix led to the following conclusions: Must-have attributes are fundamental characteristics that old residential communities must have; without these attributes, user satisfaction would significantly decline. Female users primarily focus on three aspects regarding public spaces: child safety facilities, road accessibility, and parking planning. The effective renovation of old residential communities requires addressing the basic living needs and safety of all residents to facilitate more rapid and accurate urban renewal. Female users’ expectations for improvements in public spaces center on commercial facilities, the defensibility of outdoor spaces, and healthcare amenities. The factors that most significantly enhance female user satisfaction include plant landscaping, the balance of outdoor space, and neighborhood relations. The desired attributes for public spaces in old residential communities may change according to the age of female users. What is considered a neutral attribute today might become an expected or other type of attribute in the future. Therefore, it is essential to make adjustments based on current conditions and to conduct continuous analyses to ensure that public space configurations in old residential communities meet user concerns. Promoting the sustainable development of public spaces through their diversity is crucial.

Based on the comprehensive needs of all users, four types of needs and their common requirements among resident users are summarized, as shown in Figure 13.

4.2. IPA

Building upon the Kano model, this study further explores the relationship between the importance of various needs and satisfaction levels. Using the importance–performance model, we compare the focus areas and satisfaction levels regarding community public spaces among female users across four age groups. The goal is to identify key areas for improvement in the next steps.

The analysis results indicate that girls under 18 have the highest level of satisfaction among the four female user groups, with an average score of 2.8, as shown in Figure 14. This suggests that the existing public spaces in old residential communities somewhat meet the behavioral needs of girls. This Figure also reveals that improvements should be prioritized in areas such as road accessibility, signage systems, balance in outdoor spaces, and outdoor green spaces. Additionally, the participatory aspects of community public spaces, defensibility, and the safety of staircases also require further enhancement.

Young women interviewees indicated a moderate level of satisfaction with the community environment, with an average score of 2.7, as shown in Figure 15. They expressed a high level of satisfaction with outdoor green spaces and plant landscaping. Areas requiring immediate attention for improvement include decoration and furnishings, the recognizability and defensibility of outdoor spaces, and ground parking planning. Areas that should be addressed later include the participatory nature of outdoor spaces, balance in outdoor spaces, and cultural and entertainment facilities.

Mothers showed a moderate level of overall satisfaction with public spaces, with an average rating of 2.7. As shown in Figure 16, safe facilities for children’s activities, surface parking systems, staircases, and rest seats need to be focused on for improvement. The defensibility of the outdoor space, participation in the outdoor space, and recognizability of the outdoor space need to be improved later.

In particular, they expressed strong expectations for improvements in outdoor spaces and hoped that public spaces would be further enhanced in terms of safety and accessibility. In addition, mother respondents felt that the various types of spaces in the community play an important role in alleviating the stresses of life. They need a safe, convenient, and functional community environment to support their roles in the family and society.

Elderly women expressed relatively lower satisfaction with the community’s public spaces, with an average score of only 2.2, as illustrated in Figure 17. This score reflects substantial room for improvement in meeting the needs of elderly women. Despite this, elderly women showed a high level of satisfaction with the cultivation of a sense of community belonging. To further enhance the quality of life for elderly women, there is an urgent need for focused improvements in the community. Firstly, a variety of elderly activities and healthcare facilities should be developed to facilitate their use by senior residents. Secondly, cultural and entertainment facilities within the old residential community should be enriched to provide locations for elderly women to socialize. Additionally, the rational planning of the community environment and outdoor spaces is also a focus for improvement, including optimizations to outdoor green spaces and seating to meet the diverse needs of elderly women.

4.3. Summary of Female Users’ Requirements

Using the Kano model, the needs of four types of female user were analyzed in depth. Through evaluations of importance and satisfaction, the characteristics of different users’ needs were summarized, and the strengths of, and areas for improvement in, public spaces for various female groups were outlined. As an important group of public space users, women’s needs and perceptions should not be overlooked in the renovation of outdated community spaces. Design should not only respect the differences between genders but also carefully consider the personalized spatial needs of different female users to create a public space that is suitable for all age groups.

(1)

Traffic Safety: Safety is at the core of living spaces designed for women. It is essential to address the psychological and physical safety concerns of female users, providing them with a secure and reliable living environment.

(2)

Public Facilities: Well-developed public facilities form the foundation of spaces for female activities. Meeting the specific needs of women at different age stages by providing appropriate spaces and services is crucial for enhancing their sense of belonging.

(3)

Habitable Outdoor Activities: A livable outdoor activity space reflects a healthy lifestyle for women. Providing a highly accessible and easily recognizable environment is an important criterion for assessing the suitability of a community for its residents.

(4)

Harmonious Cultural Environment: A harmonious cultural environment is a source of women’s sense of belonging. A community with good neighborly relations can achieve a high level of recognition from female residents.

Although we have made efforts to provide a comprehensive analysis, there are still some limitations to this study. Firstly, due to the limitations of the sample selection, this research primarily focuses on Baiwanzhuang in Xicheng District, Beijing. The characteristics of Baiwanzhuang may not represent the public spaces of old residential communities throughout the entire city. Secondly, the small sample size of 28 female interviewees may weaken the reliability of the study. Therefore, future research should consider conducting larger-scale sample surveys to explore the long-term impacts of female-friendly public spaces and their application in different communities in Beijing.

4.4. Optimization Strategies for Public Spaces in Old Residential Communities from a Female-Friendly Perspective

4.4.1. Increase Space Types to Meet Diverse Needs

Existing monotonous plazas and green spaces should be transformed. Water features and interesting pathways should be added to the plazas to enrich the spatial layers and create engaging spaces, as shown in Figure 18. Additionally, leisure and sports plazas should be established in green spaces, as illustrated in Figure 19. These measures would not only meet women’s needs for participatory outdoor spaces but would also enhance the balance and richness of outdoor areas, increasing social convenience. This approach could help to extend the time mothers and elderly individuals spend in public spaces, contributing to higher community engagement.

Enclosed, private, or semi-private spaces are more favored by women, who prefer quiet, safe, and introspective environments. Excessively open spaces can create feelings of insecurity. Therefore, public space layouts should be diverse. Additionally, the street space’s aspect ratio should be improved. Streets with a high aspect ratio can feel oppressive to women, while those with a low aspect ratio can create a sense of fragmentation. Maintaining the street aspect ratio at around 1 through street-side building renovations or the addition of street trees can create more comfortable street environments for women, as shown in Figure 20.

4.4.2. Enhance Spatial Facilities and Refine Space Management

In the design of community public spaces, attention should be paid to the unique physiological, psychological, and behavioral needs of women. A range of female-friendly ancillary facilities should be added. For instance, to accommodate mothers with young children, corners of public spaces should be dedicated to lactation and diaper-changing rooms, providing private and convenient areas. Additionally, to support elderly individuals with mobility issues, accessible pathways should be installed to ensure they can easily and safely use public facilities, thereby improving accessibility within the community. For women with cognitive challenges, clear signage should be installed to assist them in navigating the space more easily. Furthermore, to cater to women who may experience physical fatigue or have lower stamina, seating should be placed at multiple locations so they can rest when needed.

Nighttime safety is a major concern for women when using community public spaces after dark. To address this, a multi-layered lighting system should be implemented in community public spaces to ensure adequate illumination at night, thereby increasing women’s sense of safety during nighttime outings, as shown in Figure 21a–c. Additionally, a smart security system should be introduced in the community, utilizing modern technological tools such as surveillance cameras and intelligent alarm systems to enhance community safety management, as illustrated in Figure 21d. These smart safety measures not only provide the real-time monitoring of community security but also enable a rapid response in emergencies, ensuring the safety of female residents and allowing them to enjoy community public spaces with peace of mind at all times.

4.4.3. Enhance Environmental Atmosphere and Improve Spatial Aesthetics

When designing public spaces, special attention should be paid to women’s nuanced perceptions of the environment and their pursuit of beauty. Women are generally more sensitive than men in terms of their sensory perception, and their awareness of their surroundings and quest for beauty are often more pronounced. Therefore, the aesthetics and comfort of the space can be enhanced by increasing the richness of green landscapes, improving the aesthetic design of public spaces, and enhancing the visual appeal of building facades, as illustrated in Figure 22.

4.4.4. Clear Policy Direction and Enhanced Social Care

Top-down policy guidance and cultural promotion are crucial for ensuring women’s equal rights in public spaces. Through policy direction and cultural advancement, a fairer and more inclusive environment can be created for women. Additionally, basic feminist education and communication channels play a vital role in fostering awareness of gender equality across various societal domains. Non-governmental organizations and public service facilities within communities should strengthen their focus on women to promote gender equality principles. These measures aim to raise awareness of women’s needs, encourage their active participation in public spaces, and build a harmonious society where equality is a fundamental value.

5. Conclusions

This study investigates the behavioral characteristics of female users in the public spaces of old residential communities, identifying their needs and establishing a public space evaluation index system from a female-friendly perspective. The study introduces the Kano model and an importance–performance analysis to quantify the current state of public spaces, thereby determining the priorities when improving public space elements and providing directions and strategies for optimization.

To promote the human-centered update of public spaces in old residential communities in Beijing, this paper proposes the following strategies: Updates to old residential communities should address women’s safety needs by enhancing safety facilities in vehicular systems, pedestrian systems, and stairwells. It is important to improve public facilities within these communities, including the appropriate placement of resting benches. The participatory nature of public spaces should be increased, facilitating various activities for female residents. A harmonious cultural environment should be created within old residential areas to foster a sense of community and belonging among female residents and to meet their psychological needs.

Overall, the evaluation methods proposed from a female-friendly perspective could further enhance the evaluation system for old residential communities, fully reflecting a human-centered approach. By quantifying the priorities of public space renovation elements, the required updates can be precisely determined. This is beneficial for promoting the diversified and inclusive development of public spaces and is of significant importance for guiding the renovation of old residential communities. However, there are also some issues and challenges. Due to the limited sample size in the study, subsequent research will involve practical verification and continuous adjustments.