Analyzing Spatial Behavior and Community Preferences to Enhance Adaptive Public Space Design in Urban Car-Free Environments

Car-free environments have become essential urban strategies for promoting sustainable mobility, environmental quality, and social well-being. Despite their growing implementation, the limited integration between behavioral mapping and community preference analysis continues to constrain the adaptability and inclusivity of public spaces. This study aims to analyze spatial behavior and community preferences within the Car-Free Day (CFD) area to formulate adaptive design strategies that enhance comfort, accessibility, and social cohesion. Employing a mixed-method descriptive–analytical approach, the research combines quantitative surveys with qualitative field observations involving 50 purposively selected participants, including visitors, vendors, and community groups. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, manual behavior mapping, and behavior observation sheets, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic coding to identify movement patterns, behavior zones, and comfort determinants. The findings reveal that shaded and accessible zones exhibit the highest activity density, while user comfort and engagement are primarily influenced by spatial accessibility, environmental quality, and facility adequacy. The study proposes a behavior-based adaptive design model consisting of balanced functional zoning, reinforced pedestrian corridors, and multi-use communal nodes. Theoretically, this research advances the discourse on human-centered adaptive design, and practically, it introduces a replicable manual behavior mapping method that can guide planners and architects in participatory and sustainable public space design.