Residents’ Sense of Place on Micro Small Public Spaces on Epidemic Perspective

¹ Department of Economics and Management, Beijing City University, Beijing 101309, PRC
² Department of Emergency Rescue, China Fire and Rescue Institute, Beijing 102202, PRC

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Abstract

Like other historical preservation areas, the Fayuansi Community in Beijing’s old city zone faces many problems such as high population density and a shortage of public spaces. As a community that has lasted for more than a thousand years, its block pattern embodies the early historical pattern of Beijing city. Micro Small Public Spaces (MSPS) in the community are of great significance to the physical and mental health of residents, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic. This research investigates the habit shifts of residents’ usage of these spaces and introduces the theory of “Sense of Place”, which is a concept that refers to the manner in which individuals relate or feel about the place they live, and conducts a questionnaire survey of residents in the Fayuansi community. After analyzing the residents’ needs according to the survey, this study gives suggestions on the management of MSPSs, such as increasing the supply of both spaces and facilities, strengthening management, paying more attention to senior residents’ needs, and providing more cultural events. All these measures would strengthen residents’ sense of place and develop popular support for policy.