PhD Researcher

Yang Zi

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9026-5608

Hyperlink of ResearchGate / LinkedIn etc.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yang_Zi20

Keywords

Inclusive design | Public space | Human dimensions | Chinese Perspective | Hong Kong

Research Abstract

This study aims to start from the history of public space development in China and explore the principles of design and management of public space in the future based on the human dimension. By discussing the principles and the relationship with public life, this study aims to properly understand public space's value, nature, and evolution and predict the plausible future public space. This study also aims to design a future public environment that in all sense of barrier-free, with public space that is both open-minded and open-hearted based on the history of public life and public space in China, evidence from recent social research, professional knowledge and skills of design and a series of original case studies. 

Research Methodology

This study deals with the aspect of public spaces. Thus, its major intention is looking at community issues, social interactions, people and behaviours, social groups, organisations' perception and cohesion. Therefore, the ethnographic method shall investigate and document the cultures, practices, and perspectives of such groups of participants. 

1) Secondary Research: 

Background study - Collection of all information related to China's public space by recent reports and scanning social media; 

Literature Review - Study the history of public life and public space of China, evidence from recent social research; 

Theoretical Analysis – From the perspective of S(social) E(economic) T(technology) I(idea) G(geography) (Xin, 2007) to analyses the emergence and development of China's public space in history; analyse the human dimensions that can reflect the public space development, and to find the values and principles. 

2) Qualitative Study: 

Ethnography - Observation and data collection of existing public spaces with representative characteristics (Burgess 1984, 79-90) including behavioural activities; definition of conditions, events, objects and scenes; scene description; process, context, change, transformation, key and turning points; special events; structure and interpersonal relations; historical background, etc. 

Participant observation - Continuous participation and observation of the existing representative public space, conduct in-depth interviews, collect and analyse the respondents' experience, obtain the feedback and suggestions of respondents on the current public space, and summarise the human-related factors affecting the development of public space. 

Experiment / Workshop - Observe people's needs and ideas for future public space and through related topics to discuss and predict the future development of public space. 

3) Quantitative Study: 

Questionnaire - collection of large volumes of data about the public's previous experiences with poorly designed and well-designed public space, their needs and expectations, and data analysis. 

Results / Outcomes

This study will propose the following significance and value from different aspects, including the survey of the future development plausible of public space, the inclusive design of public space, and the design and management of public space to meet the needs of public life. 

1. This study will provide an overall picture and a complete understanding of China's public space history. From a critical perspective, examine and discuss the design value of public spaces and use these elements to predict the plausible future of public spaces. 

2. Supplement and improve the concept of "public space" from the perspective of Chinese culture and society. 

3. Focus on human activities in public space from the perspective of the human dimension, and expand inclusive public design from narrow sense (physical space, people and environment) to broad sense (multi-dimensional space, people and people). 

4. Put forward key social and design issues from the perspective of Chinese culture to design and practice possible public space in the future. 

Key Publications

[1] GONG, Miao-sen, YANG, Zi, & ZHENG, Bin-bin. 2019. Co-creation mechanism and interaction in community building. Chinese Art, 04, 76-85. 

[2] YANG, Zi, GONG, Miao-sen. 2019. Research on the typical characteristics of immersive drama reality shows. Art and Literature for the Masses, 01, 173-175. 

[3] ZHANG, Ting-ting, YANG, Zi, & GONG, Miao-sen. 2019. Agricultural Experience Design Strategy under Gamification. Art and Literature for the Masses, 03, 127-128. 

[4] YANG, Zi, GONG, Miao-sen, ZHENG,Bin-bin. 2019. Design Method of Volunteer Service Activities from the Perspective of Service Encounter. Asian Design Culture Research. 

[5] YANG, Zi, GONG, Miao-sen, & ZHANG, Li. (2018). Relationship quality in collaborative service encounters: A study of the factors affecting the pleasure of temporary team volunteers, pp.101-103, In Zhang L.H., Lam Y., Xiao D., Gong M., & Shi D.(eds), Proceeding of 2018 Cumulus Conference: Diffused Transition and Design Opportunities. Wuxi: School of Design, Jiangnan University. Wuxi, China. 31 October-3 Novem- ber 2018. ISBN: 978-952-60-0092-3. https://www.cumulusassociation.org/cumulus-conference-proceedings-wuxi-2019-diffused-transition-and-design- opportunities/ 

[6] YANG, Zi, GONG, Miao-sen. (2018). Narrative design and relationship quality: A study of trust construction in temporary teams of social organisations, The 12th International Symposium of Asian Design Culture Society: Design Culture and Region. Xiamen: Huaqiao University. Xiamen, China.24-25 November 2018.ISSN: 2185-1875. https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN-L/2185-1875# 

[7] ZHENG, Bin-bin, YANG, Zi, & GONG, Miao-sen. (2018). Collaboration and Co-creation: A study on the design strategy of the enabling problems of moderate adult intelligence and developmental disabilities, pp.269-280, In Zhang L.H., Lam Y., Xiao D., Gong M., & Shi D.(eds)， Proceeding of 2018 Cumulus Conference: Diffused Transition and Design Opportunities. Wuxi: School of Design, Jiangnan University. Wuxi, China.31 October-3 November 2018. ISBN: 978-952-60-0092-3. 

[8] ZHENG, Bin-bin, GONG, Miao-sen & YANG Zi. (2019). Research on Design Empowerment Opportunities for the Elderly in community. The 3rd LeNS conference. Beijing: School of Design, Tsinghua University. Beijing, China. 3-5 April 2019.(online) http://lensconference3.org/index.php/program/presentations/item/167-research-on- design-empowerment-opportunities-for-the-elderly-in-community 

Supervisors

Kin Wai Michael SIU

Date of Completion

2025

Study: Ph.D

Study mode: Full Time