A Study on the Perception Evaluation of Public Spaces in Urban Historic Waterfront Areas Based on AHP–Cloud Modelling: The Case of the Xiaoqinhuai Riverside Area in Yangzhou

With the acceleration of global urbanisation, the pace of evolution in urban waterfront areas has intensified, consequently hastening the renewal rate of their constituent public spaces. Compared to the macro-level planning and regulation of traditional port and coastal waterfronts, balancing the historical preservation of urban heritage waterfront public spaces with contemporary demands has emerged as a critical issue in urban regeneration. This study examines the historical waterfront area of the Xiaoqinhuai River in Yangzhou, establishing a public space perception evaluation framework encompassing five dimensions: spatial structure, landscape elements, environmental perception, socio-cultural context, and facility systems. This framework comprises 33 secondary indicators. The perception assessment system was developed through a literature review, field research, and expert interviews, refined using the Delphi method, and weighted via the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Finally, cloud modelling was employed to evaluate perceptions among residents and visitors. Findings indicate that spatial structure and socio-cultural dimensions received high perception ratings, highlighting historical layout and cultural identity as strengths of the Xiaoqinhuai Riverfront public space, while significant shortcomings were noted in terms of landscape elements, environmental perception, and facilities. These deficiencies manifest primarily in limited vegetation diversity, inadequate hard paving and surface materials, insufficient landscape node design, poor thermal comfort, suboptimal air quality and olfactory perception, uncomfortable resting facilities, limited activity diversity, and inadequate slip-resistant surfaces. Further analysis reveals perceptual differences between residents and visitors: the former prioritise daily living needs, while the latter emphasise cultural experiences and recreational facilities. Based on these findings, this paper proposes targeted optimisation strategies emphasising the continuity of historical context and enhancement of spatial inclusivity. It recommends improving public space quality through multi-dimensional measures including environmental perception enhancement, landscape system restructuring, and the tiered provision of facilities. This research offers an actionable theoretical framework and practical pathway for the protective renewal, public space reconstruction, and optimisation of contemporary urban historic waterfront areas, demonstrating broad transferability and applicability.