6. The Relationship Between People and Place from the Perspective of Planning and Design Process

This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between people and place from the perspective of planning and design processes in eco-cities. It highlights the constraints faced by traditional top-down approaches in meeting the dynamic needs of residents, particularly in the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City (SSTEC). The text explores how strict regulatory plans and the lack of flexible adjustments can hinder the realization of a people-oriented concept, leading to increased management costs and unmet resident needs. Through thematic analysis of interviews and document analysis, the chapter identifies key issues such as the lack of clear requirements for street-level public spaces and the challenges in implementing social facilities due to high operating costs. The chapter also discusses the importance of understanding people's behaviors and needs through environmental psychology theories, such as the behavioral setting theory, to create more effective and responsive urban designs. It proposes an improved design process that integrates people's needs and behaviors into the planning and design stages, aiming to foster a harmonious people-place relationship. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the necessity of incorporating humanistic planning principles into eco-city development to create sustainable and vibrant urban environments.