This paper explores the intersection of urban design and phenomenology, arguing that current planning paradigms often overlook subjective human experiences in favor of functional aesthetics. Drawing on Heidegger’s concept of “dwelling” and Merleau-Ponty’s embodied perception theory, we propose a phenomenological approach to urban design that prioritizes lived experiences over abstract metrics. Through ethnographic observations, semi-structured interviews, and spatial mapping in three main cities, Xiamen, Quanzhou, and Xiamen, which have been the key linkage points among the Mini Three Links, we analyze how residents perceive and interact with public spaces. Findings reveal that informal use patterns (e.g., street vendors repurposing sidewalks) often contradict formal design intentions, highlighting the gap between designer intentions and user experiences.Key results include the development of a phenomenological design method integrating: 1) multisensory audits (capturing auditory, tactile, and olfactory dimensions), 2) temporal analyses of space usage across seasons/days, and 3) community-led co-design process. Implications challenge designers to move beyond Cartesian spatial models and embrace a relational ontology where buildings, bodies, and social practices co-constitute urban meaning.This interdisciplinary approach offers a transformative framework for creating cities that not only function efficiently but also resonate meaningfully with human lives.

Authors:
Yi-Yen Wu, Quanzhou University of Information Engineering, China
Jia Ren, Quanzhou University of Information Engineering, China
Chu-Hao Shen, Sejong University, South Korea
Min-Kai Hsiao, Quanzhou University of Information Engineering, China

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Wu's research has been related to urban planning, urban design, and urban governance. His current project focus on phenomenology at urban design.

Connect on Linkedin
https://sites.google.com/site/yiyenwu/

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