Temporal and spatial analysis of activity patterns: A case study of neighborhood park in the Orio–Hibikino area, Kitakyushu, Japan

This research explores how the park's design features and temporal conditions, such as weather and season, affect user activity in parks near neighborhood communities. The hypothesis is that user behavior patterns are influenced by complex interactions between spatial and non-spatial characteristics, including the park's physical layout, park features, demographic composition, weather conditions, and temporal variations. This study has two main goals: to analyze the spatial distribution of activities and temporal variations of activities occurring in walking paths, open areas, playground amenities, and benches across four parks located in the neighborhood communities of Kitakyushu using real-world datasets collected over summer and autumn in 2024. Activity patterns have been evaluated by user spatial patterns with similar activity and location and relabel activity zone and park feature performances. Results reveal that certain locations emerge as activity nodes or “hotspots” for particular activities, depending on the season and time of day, emphasizing the dynamic interaction between park design and user engagement. This study provides insights supporting the adaptability and responsive approach to park design and planning, considering both spatial temporal dynamics in understanding and optimizing park usage patterns.