Key influencing factors shaping perceptual charm: an empirical study on public spaces in Science & Education Industrial Districts, Suzhou, China

Against the backdrop of innovation-driven development, Science & Education Industrial Districts (SEIDs) act as important platforms for knowledge exchange and social interaction, and their spatial quality may affect users’ perceptual experiences and spatial attractiveness. Taking SEIDs in Suzhou Industrial Park as a case, this paper combines literature review and the specific features of SEIDs to develop a quantitative evaluation system for Perceptual Charm based on users’ subjective perceptions. Empirical data were collected through questionnaire surveys. Through exploratory factor analysis, four core perceptual dimensions were produced: Spatial Appearance, Functional Support, Spatial Management, and Cultural Atmosphere. Structural equation modelling was utilized to examine the relationships between these dimensions and users’ overall spatial evaluation. The results indicate that the perceptual charm of SEID public spaces is collectively shaped by multi-dimensional factors. Cultural Atmosphere and Functional Support showed the largest path coefficients in this sample, while Spatial Appearance and Spatial Management showed slightly smaller coefficients. This study offers empirical insights and practical planning references for the perceptual optimization and quality improvement of public spaces in SEIDs and similar innovation-oriented functional zones.