A STUDY ON RESIDENTS’ ACTIVITIES AND CONSIDERATION OF GREEN ENVIRONMENTS IN HOUSING COMPLEXES

This study investigates the perceptions and activities of residents with regard to shared green spaces in housing complexes, and their impact on community building. The following are the findings. From the survey of the danchi, it was found that：1) although the greenery activities are basically mandatory, residents tend to become more actively involved as they start to think that they are making the danchi’s environment more beautiful and enhancing communication with other residents, 2) shared spaces with greenery are perceived as places for use on a daily basis, providing relaxation and other psychological benefits as well as facilitating communication among the residents, 3) greenery activities at home are conducted on the veranda primarily for personal reasons, but also have a public dimension in that residents on the first floor in particular tend to be self-conscious about being viewed from the outside. The condominium survey shows：1) greenery is an importantfactor in choosing where to live or which condominium to buy, 2) favorite shared spaces as well as shared spaces which help form relationships with neighbors are expected to have elements related to greenery, 3) although only a limited number of people are able to participate in the greenery activity, which is a club activity for people 55 or older, the participants are very positive and believe that the activity works to make the environment beautiful and to enhance communication among residents. The results of both surveys suggest that shared green spaces in housing complexes foster residents’ sense of community.