Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate how children behave in the landscape of three Chinese residential quarters. Based on information collected through investigation using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis, the residential landscapes are classified into ten types, each of which can be generally described according to four spatial factors-- exposure, proximity to water, accessibility, and relative building facade. The results show that: 1) playing is the most typical behaviour of children; 2) space with some degree of exposure has a more obvious effect on the distribution of children′s behaviour, and most children prefer to play along the waterside; 3) children without independent action ability tend to play in a semi-open space with a safe and stable environment, while those with independent action ability choose their play space more freely; 4) integrated open space that can be easily accessed, has a waterfront landscape and is near a building facade, may significantly stimulate children′s behaviour.
