Evaluating the Landscape Quality of Residential Communities: A Case Study of the Chinese City Yangling

Abstract

Due to continuous urbanization and an increasing need to improve living quality, citizens’ pursuit of landscape quality in residential communities is constantly improving in developing countries, e.g., China. This is especially true in the period when citizens were locked down in their home cities or communities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Studying whether the current landscape in residential communities still meets citizens’ needs is of significance as it is crucial for city planners, landscape architects, and city managers. In this study, we used the analytic hierarchy process method to evaluate the landscape quality of five residential communities, using the case city of Yangling, China. In total, 516 valid questionnaires were collected in May 2022. The results showed that good organization of residential roads and pedestrian systems, the rationality of rest facilities, and the hierarchical richness of plants were the most important aspects for residents. Based on these, optimization design strategies were summarized. We hope to provide a reference for future landscape optimization of existing residential communities, especially in developing countries.

Quantitative Evaluation of the View of the Landscape Using a Visibility Analysis Optimization Algorithm

“…In the domain of analytical systems for landscape visibility, abundant research has been conducted by scholars in China and abroad. For instance, Qiao et al [2] applied the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to assessing the quality of the landscape in five housing quarters in Yangling, China, considering functionality, eco-friendliness and attractiveness. Meanwhile, Zhao et al [3] devised questionnaires using the Semantic Differential (SD) method, evaluated the visual qualities of historical building blocks and constructed an assessment structure using the Factor Analysis (FA) method.…”