Building use-wellbeing associations: A spatial perspective

This paper examines the effects of mixed and dense building use patterns on life satisfaction of local residents. The analysis is empirically conducted by using a combination of a cross-sectional individual survey data and point-of-interest big data in Beijing. The results show that mixed building uses are positively associated with subjective wellbeing, but residents tend to be less satisfied with dense building use patterns. Additional results quantify evidence that the building use-wellbeing association needs to be contingent upon human lived experiences for consumption and social interaction in the uncertain geographical context. Findings of this study suggest that the hybrid application of location-based big data and traditional survey in urban contexts provides an alternative channel for recovering the built environment-wellbeing associations at fine geographical scales. •Dense and mixed building use configurations influence life satisfaction.•Important role of spatial effects is identified.•Building use-wellbeing association vary with geographical contexts.