Exploring the role of activity in shaping the sense of place: a mixed-method study in Jinan waterfront

The sense of place is fundamental to meaningful urban experiences and perceptions. While much attention has been given to physical settings, the investigation of activity in the sense of place remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the activity factors influencing the sense of place in historical urban waterfronts. A questionnaire survey (n = 386) was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the relationships between activity qualities (diversity, vitality, transaction) and the sense of place. Additionally, thematic analysis of mental mapping (n = 26) was conducted to capture key activity elements in the waterfront, complementing and validating the quantitative findings. The case study was conducted in Jinan City, China, where the waterfront holds significant social value. The results indicate that all three proposed activity qualities significantly influence the sense of place, with vitality demonstrating the strongest impact. The study also highlights that local cultural practices, varied accessible services, and comfortable gathering spaces can encourage spontaneous activities, thereby enhancing the sense of place. This research proposes a framework that connects activity qualities (vitality, diversity, transaction) to the sense of place, providing urban designers and waterfront developers with insights for creating new waterfronts that embody a strong sense of place.