This paper systematically discusses the impact of kitchen environment design on users’ well-being. Based on the user-centered design concept, this paper focuses on the theoretical framework of positive psychology and combines quantitative and qualitative research methods. Firstly, using bibliometric analysis tools (CiteSpace 6.1.R1 and VOSviewer 1.6.20), 1256 related articles in the Web of Science Core database were analyzed to reveal the multidimensional association between kitchen design and user well-being. It was found that improving kitchen air quality, optimizing space layout design, intelligent design, and family interaction significantly improve users’ mental health and happiness. Then, based on the PERMA model of positive psychology, this paper discusses the support path of kitchen design to users’ psychological needs from five dimensions: positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Optimizing the kitchen environment can enhance user experience by creating an immersive experience and positive feedback and promoting family communication, social interaction, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. Based on research results and cutting-edge design cases in the discussion section, a home kitchen design strategy for improving user welfare through the PERMA model is proposed. Finally, follow-up research can further explore the differentiated needs of different cultural backgrounds and user groups to promote the combined application of innovative kitchen technology and positive psychology and further focus on kitchen environment and health equity, especially for developing and vulnerable countries—group-specific needs.

In the subtropical regions of southern China, springtime is often characterized by persistently high humidity, leading to frequent condensation on building envelopes and interior surfaces. Top-floor rooms are particularly vulnerable due to their direct exposure to outdoor conditions through walls and the roof, making condensation prevention a critical concern. This study is grounded in the residential habits and spatial preferences of southern Chinese residents and evaluates three roof configurations—standard, thickened, and green roofs—using EnergyPlus (v22.1.0) simulation software to analyze their effects on indoor relative humidity levels in top-floor spaces. The results demonstrate that green roof systems significantly reduce indoor relative humidity, especially in high-rise residential buildings. Taking a 30-story residential building as an example, with a conventional roof, the indoor relative humidity remains at 100% for extended periods during high-risk condensation intervals, resulting in surface condensation. In contrast, when a green roof with a soil depth of 70 cm and daylilies at a height of 100 cm is used, the peak indoor maximum relative humidity is reduced by 10–40%, and the duration of condensation decreases to zero. Among the factors involved in green roofs, including plant height, soil depth, and leaf area index (LAI), soil depth shows a significant negative correlation with the maximum indoor relative humidity (correlation coefficient r = −0.987, p < 0.01), while the LAI exhibits a positive correlation with the maximum indoor relative humidity (r = 0.180, p < 0.05). Selecting plant species with a low LAI and increasing soil depth are effective passive strategies for humidity control and condensation prevention. These findings establish a basis for optimizing building environmental models and propose passive design strategies to enhance overall performance. In addition, the study highlights how roof greening contributes to global sustainability goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by improving indoor comfort, enhancing resilience, and reducing climate-related risks.

In the context of urban cultural heritage tourism, this study examines how visitors’ expectations and perceptions contribute to satisfaction and loyalty. We develop and validate an integrative model using structural equation modeling (SEM) on data collected from a large-scale visitor survey of Lingnan classical gardens in China, supplemented by quantitative simulation analysis. The results reveal that Cultural Expectation (CE) and Spatial Expectation (SE) serve as key antecedents to Perceived Cultural Immersion (PCI) and Perceived Spatial Aesthetics (PSA), respectively. PCI and PSA both positively influence visitors’ Perceived Value (PV), which in turn drives overall Satisfaction (SAT) and ultimately enhances Loyalty (LOY). Notably, PCI and PSA act as mediators in the model, channeling the influence of initial expectations into value perception and satisfaction. By highlighting the roles of cultural immersion and spatial aesthetics, this research extends the perceived value–satisfaction–loyalty paradigm in cultural heritage tourism. Theoretically, it bridges urban cultural heritage and environmental psychology with place-attachment theories. Practically, the findings offer guidance for cultural landscape management and visitor experience enhancement, suggesting that narrative storytelling, interactive cultural engagement, and authentic spatial design can elevate perceived value, satisfaction, and loyalty. This article will provide valuable reference material for urban planners.

The issue of children’s mental health is becoming increasingly prominent worldwide. Research indicates that insufficient physical activity constitutes a significant risk factor for various health issues. As primary school campuses serve as the primary setting for children’s physical activities, their spatial design currently fails to adequately support children’s psychological needs, thereby hindering improvements in mental well-being. This study, grounded in the theory of basic psychological needs, employs a combined approach of quantitative bibliometric analysis and qualitative content analysis to systematically investigate the relationship between children’s psychological needs and the design of physical activity spaces within school environments. The study identified six major research clusters: children’s health, self-determination theory, evaluation, physical education, user-centred design, and physical health. These reveal the multidimensional relationship between spatial design and children’s well-being. The key findings suggest that optimising facility diversity, designing progressively challenging activity zones, and implementing function-oriented colour coding can fulfil children’s fundamental psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These measures significantly enhance their mental well-being and overall happiness. This study extends the application of basic psychological needs theory to the field of campus spatial design, providing practical guidance for designers, educators, and policymakers. It aims to collectively advance the continuous optimisation of school sports facilities, thereby creating more favourable conditions for children’s healthy development.

At present, the design of autism rehabilitation centers in China generally fails to meet the rehabilitation needs of patients, making it difficult to achieve the health and well-being goals of sustainable development. In this context, restorative environment theory, with its potential to improve spatial environments and enhance well-being, has gradually become a key driving force in the environmental design process. Therefore, this literature review employs a combined approach of macro-level quantitative and micro-level qualitative research methods based on the Web of Science (WOS) database. First, 5953 relevant literature sources were analyzed to reveal the research background, current status, hot topics, and future development trends of the theory of restorative environment and rehabilitation centers for children with autism. Through keyword network visualization, seven primary clusters were identified: #0 environmental design, #1 burnout, #2 Autism specturn disorder, #3 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, #4 caregiver, #5 domiciliary care, # 6 stroke. These clusters were further synthesized into four core design elements: lifecycle-spanning design, family collaboration and community engagement design, green sustainable environment design, and culturally inclusive and diverse physical and mental development design. Subsequently, a multi-level case analysis was conducted using 24 global autism-friendly design examples to validate the practical applicability of these core elements. Finally, based on the research findings, the discussion section proposes environmental design strategies for autism rehabilitation centers tailored to the Chinese context.These strategies aim to enhance the well-being of children with autism and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3).