Impact of Building Environment on Residential Satisfaction: A Case Study of Ningbo

Abstract

Population distribution has a huge influence on the development of port economic circle (PEC) in Ningbo. Residential satisfaction is one of key elements that determine housing location choice and, thus, the success of population distribution policy. To provide suggestions for the development of PEC, this study conducted a survey to investigate residential satisfaction and related factors in 11 port communities, which are located in the harbour area of Beilun, Zhenhai and Meishan in Ningbo. A total of 403 valid samples were collected through face-to-face interviews. The Likert scale was used to express satisfaction levels, with the highest level of 5 and the lowest level of 1. The survey data indicate that the mean value of residential satisfaction is 3.41, 3.40 and 3.49 in Beilun, Zhenhai and Meishan, respectively. Middle level residential satisfaction is noted in the port communities of Ningbo. A linear regression was performed to analyse the relationship between residential satisfaction and influence factors in terms of the demographic and socioeconomic features of the respondents and attributes of the house and neighbourhood. The results of the regression analysis show that household income, design of housing, type of community, population density and distance to the district commercial centre are the most influential factors of residential satisfaction. The findings suggest making regulations to enforce the design standards of new buildings. Moreover, measures to improve the accessibility and quality of public facilities and services in the communities should be encouraged to increase the attractiveness of neighbourhoods in the port area. Promoting land use with mixed commercial and residential functions is also suggested for the development of PEC.