In the heart of China’s urbanization drive, a novel approach is emerging to transform the way urban parks operate, blending the digital economy with the timeless appeal of green spaces. Zhaochen Wang, a researcher affiliated with an undisclosed institution, has published a groundbreaking study in the journal *Fengjing Yuanlin* (translated as “Landscape and Gardening”), exploring how gamification methods can unlock the untapped potential of urban parks.
Wang’s research delves into the challenges faced by urban parks, from limited resources to funding constraints, and proposes a innovative solution: integrating gamification methods to enhance park operations. “The rise of sectors like integrated transportation and tourism highlights the opportunities that entertainment consumption and new technologies bring to the construction industry,” Wang explains. “As a dynamic form of the digital economy, video games are exerting a significant radiating effect on the consumer service and cultural tourism sectors.”
The study establishes a shared ontological model for both games and landscape architecture, comprising three core elements: environment, people, and rules. Using this framework, Wang identifies three categories of gamification methods: interactive experience-oriented scene design, human-centered service based on co-creation relationships, and rules and operations for sustained revenue.
These methods not only provide a conceptual framework for park operations but also offer support for other work related to urban parks. Wang’s research suggests that gamification can help landscape architecture professionals explore new paths for industry transformation, shifting from incremental growth to continuous renewal.
The potential commercial impacts of this research are substantial. By leveraging gamification, urban parks can enhance their revenue capacity, support continuous operation, and unlock diverse values, including economic, data, and cultural aspects. This approach could revolutionize the way parks are designed, serviced, and operated, creating new opportunities for the energy sector and other industries to engage with these spaces.
However, Wang cautions that these methods and systems require broader practical verification and attention to risks related to over-commercialization and cultural censorship. “Green spaces can also leverage their open and shared attributes to become spaces for promoting positive game values and game literacy development,” Wang adds.
As urbanization continues to reshape cities worldwide, Wang’s research offers a timely and innovative approach to enhancing the value and functionality of urban parks. By embracing gamification and the digital economy, parks can become vibrant hubs of entertainment, culture, and community engagement, driving economic growth and fostering sustainable urban development.
The study, published in *Fengjing Yuanlin*, serves as a catalyst for further exploration and innovation in the field of urban park management. As cities grapple with the challenges of urbanization, Wang’s research provides a compelling vision for the future of urban parks, one that is dynamic, engaging, and deeply rooted in the digital economy.