Abstract:To explore how to balance the relationship between waterfront space quality and vitality to achieve their coordination with the built environment, this study takes Panlong River in Kunming as a case study. An evaluation system for waterfront space quality and vitality was constructed, employing the entropy weight method and a coupling coordination degree model to assess the coordination relationship between them. Furthermore, correlation analysis was conducted to identify key factors influencing coupling coordination. The study reveal that: a coupling mismatch exists between the quality and vitality of Panlong River's waterfront spaces; spatial quality factors including water accessibility, recreational space density, surrounding residential density, site accessibility, waterfront amenity, and path continuity significantly and positively influence spatial vitality in descending order; water accessibility is the dominant factor, with recreational space density as secondary. Perceptual qualities such as environmental noise intensity, solar radiation intensity, and nighttime lighting brightness showed no significant correlation with spatial vitality; Green coverage rate and vehicle disturbance index were negatively correlated with spatial vitality. Based on these findings, optimization strategies for waterfront spaces are proposed, including enhancing 'visual-behavioral' accessibility, embedding 'vitality anchors', and installing vertical greening facilities.
