An Observational Study on the Residential Spaces and Behavioral Characteristics for Chinese Three-Generation Family Communication

Amid China’s rapid development, accelerated urbanization, and widespread use of information technology, urban housing has become increasingly homogeneous. Unlike Western family cultures, East Asian cultures, particularly in China, have unique residential forms. Three-generation families remain common in East Asia, especially in China, but are often overlooked. Recent Western cultural influences, rising housing prices, and pro-natalist policies have exacerbated their housing challenges, revealing that current designs do not fully accommodate their evolving needs.<br/> This paper explores the lifestyles and needs of three-generation households in China through field surveys, semi-structured interviews, and video observations. By examining both tangible and intangible aspects of family culture, it identifies modern family values and proposes design directions that enhance communication and interaction in these households.<br/> The study employs user-centered video observation to analyze family members&quot behaviors and psychological space needs. Video recordings of sample families were coded and analyzed using NOLDUS software. Results indicate that grandparents, who handle most household chores, have the least communication time, while children, who need the most communication, are least involved in chores. Additionally, grandparents&quot activities are confined to fixed areas, whereas parents and children use more varied spaces.<br/> These findings help identify the values and behavior patterns of three-generation families, suggesting ways to improve their living conditions and providing valuable insights for researchers in the field.