Assessing green space exposure in high density urban areas: A deficiency-sufficiency framework for Shanghai

Abstract

Urban green spaces enhance residents’ physical and mental health, but rapid urbanization has constrained green space exposure (GSE). While studies highlight the need for multidimensional GSE quantification, many lack methods to assess sufficiency or account for spatial heterogeneity in influencing factors. This study evaluates block-level GSE in central Shanghai using a deficiency-sufficiency framework and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) to analyze green space availability, accessibility, and visibility. Key findings include: (1) Green Coverage Ratio (GCR) is higher in the west and lower in the east, with low values concentrated in the central area, Park Accessibility Index (PAI) has high-value clusters in the southwest and north, and Green View Index (GVI) shows low-value clusters primarily within and near the Middle Ring Road, high-value clusters dominate peripheral areas. (2) Few blocks meet sufficiency standards across all dimensions, with GCR identified as the most deficient dimension, accounting for nearly half of all blocks. (3) MGWR analysis reveals positive correlations of both GCR and GVI with housing price, negative correlations with building density, and mixed effects of road density on PAI. Recommendations emphasize the critical role of GSE in urban planning, advocating for the promotion of pocket parks, vertical greening, and green roofs, and integrating green space planning with transit-oriented development to optimize distribution. This study offers insights for improving GSE in dense urban areas.