TRENDS IN OUTDOOR SPACE USAGE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF COVID-19 INFECTION

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  • YUASA Kasane
    Dept. of Architecture, Division of Creative Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chiba University
  • SONG Junhwan
    Graduate School for Science and Innovation, Yamaguchi University
  • IZUMIYAMA Rui
    Dept. of Architecture, College of Science and Technology, Nihon University
  • MIURA Shino
    Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
  • MURAKAMI Sakiko
    Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Fukushima University

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Other Title
  • 新型コロナウイルス感染症影響下における屋外空間の利用動向
  • Trends in outdoor space usage under the influence of Covid‐19 infection

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Abstract

<p>This study focused on changes in residents’ uses and awareness of outdoor spaces due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to gain understanding of the following three aspects of people’s behaviors believed to have been greatly affected before the Emergency Declaration in Japan and during the State of Emergency: 1) changes in how people use outdoor spaces, and 2) people’s demands with respect to the use of outdoor spaces in the future. In addition, as a byproduct of this investigation, this study aims to produce a summary of findings concerning residents’ use of outdoor spaces against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as to discuss future issues. The survey method for this study was a national questionnaire, and responses were obtained from 1860 citizens. The details clarified as a result of analysis of the data generated by the survey are described below. </p><p>First, the reality of residents’ use of outdoor spaces is summarized as follows. A large number of residents used outdoor spaces that were close to their homes (less than five minutes away on foot) on a daily basis or three or more times per week during the State of Emergency. A large number of residents made use of streets and areas adjacent to waterways or other waterfront areas as outdoor spaces during the State of Emergency period. Such use diverged from their use patterns prior to the Emergency Declaration, but these spaces were near residents’ homes. Residents used such spaces primarily for wellness and relaxation. Next, the survey revealed the following information describing residents’ perceptions of the use of outdoor spaces. Regarding the importance of outdoor spaces to respondents’ everyday lives, 80% or more of respondents who used outdoor spaces even during the State of Emergency reported such spaces to be “important.” In addition, 25% of respondents reported feeling that the use of outdoor spaces improved their quality of life during the State of Emergency, and this proportion far exceeded that of the respondents who reported “no change” or “I don’t feel any importance.” The characteristics of the respondents to this survey can be grouped into the following six categories: G1: People valuing their daily activities outside the home; G2: People valuing outdoor recreational activities; G3: People who primarily used nearby outdoor spaces before the Emergency Declaration; G4: People who rarely use outdoor spaces; G5: People who used outdoor spaces during the State of Emergency; and G6: People who rarely use outdoor spaces/people whose activities are primarily at home. Furthermore, under the influence of COVID-19, it became clear that an outdoor space that can be used as a part of daily life is required. In G1 and G2, there is a high need for various activities , and it can be said that the respondents are seeking an outdoor space as a place for their own activities. G3 seeks a place for work and social activities, and G5 seeks interaction, and has a need as a place for relationships with others. It is suggested that the need for an outdoor space that functions as a place to connect people and society has become apparent. </p>

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