Multi-Sensory Experience and Preferences for Children in an Urban Forest Park: A Case Study of Maofeng Mountain Forest Park in Guangzhou, China

Abstract

This study developed an analysis based on children’s multi-sensory experiences and preferences in urban forest park to make practical suggestions for the design of children’s activity areas. Taking Maofeng Mountain Forest Park in Guangzhou, Guangdong province as a case study, based on a face-to-face survey and online questionnaire survey, this study analyzed children’s multi-sensory landscape preferences in the park and explored the influence of multi-sensory experiences on children’s behavioral experience by establishing a structural equation model. The results reveal that visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory sensations were significantly correlated with children’s behavioral experiences. In terms of landscape preference, children preferred landscapes in blue-green tones, original building materials and challenging entertainment programs. Based on these analysis results, the design recommendations for children’s activity areas in urban forest parks are discussed.