Urban Spatial Strategies and Health Resilience: A Case Study of New Jiangwan City

This study investigates the relationship between built environment characteristics and health resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, using New Jiangwan City in Shanghai as a case study. Located in Yangpu Districtan area with the lowest infection rate among Shanghais central districtsNew Jiangwan City offers a timely opportunity to evaluate how ecological urban planning, low-density layouts, and flexible public spaces influenced residents ability to adapt to and withstand public health shocks. Drawing on Henri Lefebvres theory of the production of space, this research examines the alignment between design intentions and actual spatial practices during the pandemic. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with both urban planners and residents. Thematic analysis revealed that green infrastructure, walkable layouts, and adaptable community spaces played a vital role in supporting psychological well-being, physical activity, and social connectivity under lockdown conditions. The findings highlight discrepancies between planned and lived space, as well as residents adaptive use of spatial resources. By triangulating insights from both designers and users, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how context-specific spatial strategies can enhance urban resilience. The results provide practical guidance for architects and planners seeking to design healthier, more adaptive cities in anticipation of future public health emergencies.