From traditional to digital contexts: new characteristics of the public's spatial perception of urban streets in the age of technology

This research investigates how the digital age, characterized by advancements in internet technology and the prevalence of social media, has altered public interaction with and perception of urban street spaces. Before the digital era, spatial perception was primarily a three-dimensional, multi-sensory experience shaped by physical movement and direct interaction with the environment. People engaged with the texture, temperature, sounds, and overall ambiance of a place through direct sensory experience and bodily movement. The rise of digital technologies, however, has introduced new ways of experiencing space. Mobile devices with photo and video capabilities and social media platforms enable people to capture and share their spatial experiences, creating a mediated layer of interaction. This shift raises questions about how these digital tools impact our spatial understanding, preferences, and expectations. The research focuses on the street as a pivotal element of urban public space, noting its role in connecting areas and providing spaces for social interaction, cultural exchange, and commerce. The study aims to address three core research questions: (1) Has the digital age altered the characteristics of public spatial perception of streets compared to the traditional period? (2) What are the specific characteristics of these changes? (3) What are the implications of these findings for future urban spatial design?

Existing research on street space perception in traditional contexts emphasizes physical environmental attributes' influence on human cognition, emotion, and behavior. Studies highlight the importance of elements such as paths, edges, nodes, districts, landmarks, and objects within the space, along with the activities conducted there. Scholars like Lynch, Whyte, and Gehl have significantly contributed to this understanding. However, the literature on public street space perception in digital contexts is limited. While studies have used social media data to explore public perceptions of architectural and urban spaces, these often rely on textual analysis which may not fully capture the richness of spatial experience. This study aims to address this gap by systematically comparing spatial perceptions across traditional and digital contexts and leveraging image data to provide a more nuanced understanding.

This study employs a comparative case study approach focusing on the Xiaolouxiang historic district in Wuxi, China. The researchers selected this location due to its high popularity and recent top-down renovation, where public input was limited. The methodology relies on a grounded theory approach, using NVivo software to analyze photo data collected from Sina Weibo. Data collection focused on posts from the three years following the district's reopening (2019-2022), specifically during Chinese national holidays, to maximize sample diversity and representativeness. A four-step process was employed to select and validate photos: (1) Retrieval based on geographic tags and keywords; (2) Deduplication; (3) Manual screening to exclude professional photos; (4) Member-checking for reliability. A total of 1119 valid images were used. NVivo software facilitated the analysis, involving open coding, axial coding, and selective coding to identify key themes and patterns. Multiple team members conducted coding to ensure reliability, with results checked against the original images. This approach allowed the researchers to categorize and quantify themes, and visualize the public's preferences for the Xiaolouxiang historic district. The analysis compared this with existing literature to outline changes in spatial perception between traditional and digital contexts.

The analysis revealed that while the fundamental framework of public spatial perception (buildings/spaces, objects, and activities) remained consistent across traditional and digital contexts, three significant shifts emerged in the digital context of Xiaolouxiang: 1. **Shift from three-dimensional experience to two-dimensional visual aesthetics:** In the traditional context, spatial perception was multi-sensory and holistic. In the digital context, the emphasis shifted towards the visual appeal of two-dimensional images, particularly those with unique compositions, striking visuals, or culturally significant elements. This is reflected in the high frequency of photos capturing unique perspectives, such as narrow alleys, juxtapositions of traditional and modern architecture, and upward views showcasing building details. 2. **Shift from emphasizing spatial totality to focusing on spatial details:** Traditionally, attention focused on the overall spatial layout and organization. The digital context demonstrated a greater focus on details, such as eaves, roof ridges, door locks, and other architectural elements. This suggests a shift from experiencing space holistically to capturing and sharing visually compelling snippets. 3. **Shift from a focus on the usability of space to an emphasis on cultural characteristics:** While functionality remains important, the digital context revealed a strong interest in cultural symbols and elements conveying regional identity, history, and local traditions. The popularity of photos depicting traditional lanterns, place name markers, and regionally specific architectural styles underscores this shift. This points to an increased need for spaces to showcase local culture and heritage, particularly within the context of social media sharing.

The findings suggest that while the core elements of public spatial perception remain consistent across traditional and digital contexts, the digital age has introduced subtle yet significant shifts. The emphasis on two-dimensional visual aesthetics in the digital context reflects the influence of social media's visual nature and the desire for shareable content. The focus on detail and cultural characteristics indicates a shift in how individuals engage with and interpret spaces. This increased emphasis on visual appeal, unique angles, and cultural details has implications for future urban design and planning, emphasizing the need to consider how spaces will be captured and presented in the digital realm. The shift towards two-dimensional visual aesthetics could lead to neglecting real-world spatial experiences, while an overemphasis on detail could result in fragmented spatial perception. Similarly, a focus on cultural symbols needs to be balanced against spatial functionality. These findings also highlight the potential challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of digital technologies in urban planning and design.

This study provides valuable insights into how digital technologies have reshaped public perception of urban street spaces. While the fundamental elements of spatial perception remain consistent, significant shifts towards visual aesthetics, detailed focus, and cultural emphasis have emerged. Future urban design should actively incorporate these changes to create spaces that are not only functional but also visually compelling and culturally relevant in the digital age. Future research could explore this further by employing larger datasets analyzed through image recognition algorithms, reducing biases inherent in social media data, and examining the impact of these digital interactions on different demographic groups.

This study's reliance on manual coding of social media data presents limitations. While measures were taken to ensure data reliability and mitigate bias, the sample size remains limited and may not fully represent the broader public's spatial perception. Also, the data lacks detailed demographic information, making generalizability challenging. Future research could leverage automated image recognition and larger, more diverse datasets to enhance the study's scope and validity.