Research on the Utilization of Passenger Consciousness in the Optimization Design of Regional Subway Station Space -a case study of Xi'an subway station design in China-

With rapid urbanization and increasing population density, metro systems have become essential infrastructure for alleviating urban traffic congestion. The role of metro stations has evolved beyond merely serving transportation functions to also include social and cultural purposes. Recent trends in metro station design emphasize the integration of regional cultural elements, reflecting broader developments in urban infrastructure. The aim of this study is to investigate passenger preferences for regional design in metro stations by selecting four metro stations in Xi'an, China. The study focuses on the application of regional design within station interiors, analyzing the significance of various factors to generate valuable data. The research employs Q methodology to explore passengers' perceptions of regional design in metro stations, with a particular focus on its application in station interior design. A comprehensive literature review identified 67 potential statements, which were refined into 33 representative Q samples through expert consultations. The study involved 50 Xi'an metro passengers as the P-set, who ranked the Q samples based on their preferences. The results revealed four distinct types of passenger perception: ① Metro Cultural Communication Design, ② Metro Economic Development Design, ③ Metro Passenger Experience Design, and ④ Metro Environmental Protection Design. The eigenvalues for each type were 13.0934 (the highest), 5.9290, 3.2401, and 2.7884, respectively. These analyses facilitated the determination of the distribution and significance of each design factor. This study provides valuable insights for the formulation of urban rail transit design policies in China and encourages metro space designers to more actively consider the application of regional design.