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How Does the Spatial Structure of the Furniture Industry Shape Urban Residents’ Health? Evidence from China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey and POI Data

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the context of advancing sustainable urban development, the spatial organization of industries plays a critical role in shaping environmental quality, economic vitality, and public health. This study examines the health effects of furniture enterprises agglomeration in Chinese cities, using a unique dataset combining point-of-interest (POI) big data and micro-level survey responses from 13,217 individuals. The results show that a one-unit increase in furniture enterprises agglomeration intensity is associated with a 0.656-unit improvement in physical health and a 0.060-unit improvement in mental health. These benefits are driven by three synergistic mechanisms: environmental improvement, income growth, and enhanced public health services. However, the health gains are unevenly distributed, with greater benefits observed in less-developed cities and among vulnerable groups such as low-skilled and middle-aged workers. We further reveal divergent effects between specialized and diversified agglomeration patterns, moderated by environmental regulation. Our findings underscore the need for health-oriented industrial policies that align with sustainable urban planning, emphasizing spatial adaptation, targeted support for vulnerable populations, and innovative regulatory approaches to foster both industrial growth and resident well-being.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18010345

Authors: Zigui Chen, Yuning Liu, Xiangdong Dai, Chao Chen, Zhenjun Wang, Andrew Wu

Institutions: Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Hunan University of Technology and Business, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

Language: English

Topic: Regional Economics and Spatial Analysis

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896