Work

History of Open Space and Physical Activities of China’s Danwei Neighborhood: The Case Study of Community Hua

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The danwei community emerged as a basic socio-spatial unit in China’s urban landscape, primarily constructed in the mid-20th century. Today, amid population aging and the deterioration of service facilities supporting health environment, the mental and physical conditions of danwei residents are increasingly challenged. Through an investigation of the built environment history and physical activity patterns in Community Hua, a typical case of former danwei community in Chengdu, China, this paper indicates that danwei communities have accumulated health-promoting legacies rooted in their historical spatial planning and collective lifestyle. The tangible legacy includes an open space system centered around green facilities, while the intangible legacy encompasses a diverse range of well-organized sports and cultural events. Following the reform of unit society in China in the late 1990s, these health-promoting legacies continue to exist within the danwei communities. Consequently, this study suggests that future renewal of open spaces within danwei neighborhood should be based on community history, thus the spatial legacy benefiting residents’ health can be preserved and utilized.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15213953

Authors: Hanxiao Heng, Xuan He, Nina Mo

Institution: Chengdu University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Urban Green Space and Health

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137