The Influence of Spatial Characteristics on Crowd Behaviors: A Behavioral Proxy Approach for Street Quality Assessment

This study examines the street spaces of Shamian Island in Guangzhou and addresses the long-standing urban design challenge of quantifying subjective perception. Drawing on environmental psychology, it introduces “behavioral representation” as a proxy variable for perception. By synthesizing international street design guidelines, the study establishes a street-characteristic indicator system covering spatial scale, interface, facilities, and landscape. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models are then applied to analyze in depth how spatial elements influence five types of behavior, including lingering, passing through, and consumption. The results show that walkway width is the core driving factor across all behavior types, while artistic landscape installations exert the most significant effect on long-duration stays. In addition, different spatial elements exhibit distinct mechanisms in shaping various behaviors. The study constructs a “space–perception–behavior” cognitive framework, providing an evidence-based tool and a methodological reference for evaluating subjective perception in urban design.