Intergenerational spatial differentiation in neighborhood renewal: How can we achieve spatial equity between the elderly and the young?

Research on spatial intergeneration focuses on qualitative analysis and framework development, lacking quantitative support. Understanding the relationship between spatial characteristics and intergenerational preferences remains challenging. The objective of this study is to clarify the specific phenomena of intergenerational segregation between young (18–35) and older (60+) residents in neighborhood streets in Shenzhen, and to explore the potential for improving intergenerational relations through spatial optimization. The research question is: What specific intergenerational segregation phenomena exist in neighborhood street public spaces in Shenzhen, and how to optimize the street public spaces in neighborhoods to address spatial intergenerational segregations? We employ SVI) and non-facial human form recognition to identify pedestrian ages, combined with spatial structural and experiential indicators, to quantitatively analyze the differences in public space usage among different generational groups. Our findings highlight that: Spatial experiential indicators play a more critical role in bridging intergenerational segregations, with contributions from walkways and imageability being more significant. Although bottom-up indicators are more effective in conveying spatial experience, macro spatial structural indicators also play a supportive role in bridging intergenerational gaps. Besides, collaborative analysis reveals that young and elderly residents differ in their preferences for the distribution of green spaces but agree on attitudes towards greenery in neighborhoods. Additionally, intergenerational spatial segregation are primarily reflected in openness, building density, and street connectivity. The inclusive residential planning recommendations we proposed shed fresh light on spatial equity and neighborhood cohesion. • Developed a large-scale method for identifying pedestrian ages to support intergenerational research. • Spatial experiential indicators play a crucial role in bridging intergenerational segregation. • Young and elderly residents differ in their preferences for green space distribution but agree on attitudes towards greenery. • Intergenerational segregations are identified in openness, building density, and street connectivity. • The findings offer insights for creating inclusive neighborhoods and promoting intergenerational understanding.