Patterns of Resident Activity and Their Impact on Environmental Parameters in Residential Apartments: Case Study and Implications for Design and Management

Abstract

In the quest to optimize residential environments for health and sustainability, understanding the interaction between pedestrian dynamics and environmental parameters is crucial. This study delves into this intersection by conducting a detailed spatial-temporal analysis within an apartment building. The research reveals pivotal insights about the relationship between pedestrian flow and environmental quality. Key findings reveal distinct patterns in pedestrian traffic, with two main peaks in early morning and late evening, accounting for approximately 24% of daily movement. The study identifies a pronounced preference for upward elevator use, reflecting residents’ lifestyle and floor-level choices. Importantly, we observed variable correlations between pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants. Pollutants like PM_2.5 and carbon monoxide exhibited weak correlations, while noise, TVOC, formaldehyde, and ozone showed stronger associations with human movement. The research uncovered significant spatial differences in pollutant levels across the building, with higher particulate matter and ozone levels in the seventh-floor elevator room. The data suggest a need for tailored pollution management strategies, especially for noise and hazardous compounds like formaldehyde and ozone, which exceed safety limits in certain areas. Our findings offer critical insights for the design and management of residential environments, emphasizing the importance of considering both pedestrian flow and environmental factors in optimizing living spaces for health and efficiency.