The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity
Vol. 3 No. 1: (July) 2025

Social dynamics and spatial design: A behavioral architecture study of adolescent gathering patterns

Khaerunisa, Silviana (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2025

Abstract

Background: City parks are important social spaces, especially for teenagers, but the design of public open spaces often does not take behavioral aspects into account. Previous studies have focused more on the physical function of open spaces than on user behavior. This paper analyze the influence of layout and design elements (paths, seating, trees, lighting) on the social interaction patterns of adolescents. Methods: Behaviorist case study (Yin), non-participatory observation, behavior mapping, and in-depth interviews. Findings: The study found that Indonesia Kaya Parks a functions as an inclusive third place for adolescents, where spatial elements like flexible seating, shaded vegetation, and warm lighting significantly enhance the frequency and quality of informal social interactions. It was found that zones with warm lighting, dense vegetation, and flexible seating became centers of social interaction. Conclusion: The spatial configuration and micro-design elements of Indonesia Kaya Parks effectively accommodate adolescents’ behavioral needs, confirming its role as a socially responsive urban park. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research uniquely combines quantitative data with spatial-perceptual mapping to reveal how adolescents navigate and emotionally respond to varying degrees of spatial enclosure in public parks—an approach rarely applied in behavioral architecture studies.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

JCBAU

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences Transportation

Description

The Journal of City promotes Branding and Authenticity explores and explains the two related but distinct practices named in its title. City branding applies brand strategy and related techniques to advance the economic, social, political and cultural development of cities, regions and countries. ...