Environmental Attributes, Perceived Well-being, and Social Interaction: A Space Syntax Analysis of Chengdu’s Neighborhood Parks for the Elderly

The rapid urbanization of Chinese cities has intensified the demand for age-friendly public spaces that promote health and social engagement among the elderly. This research investigates the complex relationships among environmental attributes, perceived well-being, and social interaction in Chengdu’s neighborhood parks, using Space Syntax analysis as a core methodological framework. A total of 287 elderly individuals were surveyed across six neighborhood parks, selected to represent varying spatial structures and amenity quality. Environmental configuration was quantified using Space Syntax metrics such as integration, connectivity, and visual accessibility. Simultaneously, structured observations and on-site questionnaires captured data on social interaction patterns and perceived well-being. The data analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) and statistical methods, including Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression, was used to assess relationships between spatial configuration, perceived well-being, and social interaction frequency. The results showed strong positive effects of social interaction (β = 0.44) and environmental quality (β = 0.42) on perceived well-being (p < 0.001). All constructs demonstrated high reliability (α = 0.81–0.88) and valid factor structures, confirming model strength. Furthermore, an SEM analysis showed that this mediation was moderated by interaction type, with family-based interactions exerting a stronger influence on well-being compared to friend-based ones. This research provides empirical evidence that spatially well-integrated and visually accessible park environments significantly enhance social cohesion and subjective well-being among the elderly. These findings offer critical insights for designing inclusive, age-friendly public spaces that support active and healthy aging in urban China.