Work

Visual comfort impact assessment for walking spaces of urban historic district in China based on semantic segmentation algorithm

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Urban historic districts (UHDs) are primarily walkable areas in built environments that preserve the traditional and local characteristics of a specific historical period. However, the impacts of the visual perception elements (VPEs) in UHD walking spaces on visual comfort related to the health-benefits have not been studied in depth. In contrast to previous studies, this study develops a comprehensive methodology framework for assessing visual comfort of UHD walking spaces to provide evidence for health-benefits based on Semantic Segmentation (Semseg) algorithm, integrating street view image data mining , Semseg computing, K-means cluster analysis, visual perception analysis and multiple linear regression analysis . A total of 11,633 images from Baidu Maps-Panoramic Static Imagery (BM-PSI) API were collected from 17 typical UHD walking spaces in China, forming 17 datasets of visual sequence images (VSIs). Three types of VPEs (Natural-VPE, Artificial-VPE and Cultural-VPE) were identified and quantified by Semseg Computing to calculate Visual Pixel Ratio (VPR) indicators. 15 representative VSIs were filtered by K-means cluster analysis, which were subsequently evaluated through web-based questionnaires involving 308 respondents with diverse demographic characteristics to derive General Visual Comfort Ratings (G-VCR) and Sub-Visual Comfort Ratings (S-VCR) indicators. Finally, multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to reveal the relationships between VPR and both G-VCR and S-VCR indicators respectively. Overall, the results reveal that Natural-VPE and Cultural-VPE have a significant positive impact on visual comfort, while Artificial-VPE exerts a opposite effect. Furthermore, demographic characteristics affect visual comfort differently: female respondents showed stronger preference for Natural-VPE, while male respondents were more sensitive to Artificial-VPE; middle-aged and elderly respondents favored environments with more Natural-VPE and Cultural-VPE, whereas young respondents were more affected by Artificial-VPE; higher-educated respondents exhibited greater appreciation for Natural-VPE and Cultural-VPE compared to non-higher educated respondents. The findings can provide valuable insights for promoting sustainable renewal of UHD walking spaces aligned with the Healthy City concept.

Source: Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.107917

Authors: Xiaoming Gao, Hang Wang, Jilong Zhao, Yuetao Wang, Chaoxian Li, Cong Gong

Institutions: Shandong Jianzhu University, Chongqing University

Language: English

Topic: Urban Design and Spatial Analysis

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900