Destigmatizing urban villages by examining their attractiveness: Quantification evidence from Shenzhen

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2024.103120

Abstract

While existing social and political research has qualitatively discussed the stigmatization of urban villages (UVs), there's a lack of quantitative support. This study innovatively attempts to provide quantitative evidence, employing a spatial perspective for the destigmatization of UVs. We integrated population trajectory, GDP data, employment and residential points of interest, and developed a spatial gravity model to derive the spatial attractiveness index. Concurrently, we selected environmental, spatial structure, and housing economic indicators to construct a regression analysis. Our findings revealed that urban villagers exhibit a preference for shorter daily commutes, underscoring the positive role of UVs in promoting job-housing balance and providing diverse services. The high-frequency mobility of villagers accelerates the categorization of UVs and enhances intra-area circulation. We further discussed the interaction between UV renewal and its destigmatization. To counter spatial stigmatization, enhancing the spatial quality and infrastructure of UVs, as well as promoting diversified land use can reduce the public's stereotypical impressions. Moreover, prioritizing affordable housing and equitable distribution of facilities, along with fostering synergies between urban capital and UVs, can facilitate the destigmatization process. Stigmatization in informal settlements is a widespread issue. Our quantitative approaches, as well as targeted renovation and policy recommendations, can serve as a blueprint for addressing similar challenges in informal settlements globally.

📚 Project Background

This study focuses on urban villages (UVs), particularly in Shenzhen, and their ongoing stigmatization due to poor environmental conditions and social exclusion. UVs are informal settlements that have emerged due to rapid urbanization in China, often facing issues such as illegal construction, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic marginalization of residents. While the stigmatization of UVs has been discussed qualitatively in past research, there has been a lack of quantitative evidence addressing the issue.

🎯 Research Objectives

The aim of this study is to destigmatize UVs by providing quantitative support using spatial perspectives. The researchers aimed to:

1. Quantify the attractiveness of UVs using a spatial gravity model and mobility patterns.
2. Identify key factors influencing the job-housing balance, spatial structure, and public service distribution within UVs.
3. Investigate the interaction between urban renewal and the destigmatization process to propose feasible strategies for improving UVs.

🔬 Methodology

The study integrated various types of data, including mobile phone data, GDP, and point of interest (POI) data. These were used to construct a Spatial Attractiveness Index (ATI) for UVs. Key variables like building density, public services, and transportation accessibility were assessed using regression models like OLS (Ordinary Least Squares) and more complex methods like MGWR (Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression).

• Data sources: Mobile phone data, POIs, GDP, and environmental data (NDVI).
• Techniques used: Spatial gravity models, k-means clustering, OLS, MGWR, and Random Forest for regression analysis.

📊 Key Findings

1. Job-Housing Balance: The study revealed that UVs play a crucial role in maintaining job-housing balance by offering affordable living spaces close to employment opportunities.
2. Mobility Patterns: Villagers typically prefer shorter commuting distances, which influences their choice of living spaces in UVs.
3. Attractiveness Index (ATI): UVs closer to the city center exhibited higher ATI values, with suburban UVs also demonstrating substantial appeal due to evolving polycentric urban structures.
4. Factors Influencing ATI:
• Public service density and transportation services were key to increasing the ATI in both work- and living-oriented UVs.
• Building density (FAR) showed a complex relationship, with high FAR contributing to both affordable housing and urban stigma.
• Distance to the city center was crucial for both work-oriented and living-oriented UVs, with suburban areas showing strong ATI values due to their strategic location.

🏗️ Urban Village Renewal and Destigmatization

The study emphasized the importance of proper urban renewal strategies. Inappropriate renewal could exacerbate the stigma, while balanced development could integrate UVs better into the urban fabric. Key recommendations include:

1. Improving infrastructure and public services (e.g., healthcare, education) in UVs.
2. Enhancing the built environment by optimizing FAR and reducing overcrowding to improve living conditions.
3. Fostering commercial vitality within UVs to revitalize the local economy and contribute to a positive image.
4. Housing policies that focus on affordable housing and equitable distribution of facilities to ensure better quality of life for residents.

🌍 Implications and Global Applicability

This research offers valuable insights for urban planners globally, especially in informal settlements in other developing countries. The quantitative framework for assessing the attractiveness of UVs can serve as a blueprint for tackling similar issues in other urban centers facing the challenges of rapid urbanization and informal settlements.