Landscape elements affect public perception of nature-based solutions managed by smart systems

Abstract

Smart technologies promise innovative approaches to manage nature-based solutions (NBS) for more effective regulating functions under climate change. However, smart systems may also affect people’s experiences of NBS by introducing noticeable changes in urban landscapes. This study investigated public perception of “smart” retention ponds that had changing water level as controlled by smart systems and varied in the following microscale landscape elements determined by planning and design choices: land use context, basin slope, and surrounding plants. Using visualizations that showed pond landscape design alternatives at typical, low (draining water), and high (retaining water) water levels, we surveyed residents in three American cities for their perceptions of smart ponds (n = 974). Our results suggest that water level manipulation by smart systems negatively affects perceptions of stormwater ponds; both low and high water were perceived as significantly less attractive, neat, and safe than the typical water level condition. Furthermore, these effects of water level were moderated by other design elements. Perceptions of high water level were more positive for ponds in greenspace than in residential or commercial contexts. Perceptions of low water level were more positive for ponds in residential contexts than in greenspace or commercial contexts, as well as for ponds surrounded by woody or unmaintained plants than those surrounded by mown turf edge. In both high and low water conditions, ponds with steep slopes were perceived more positively than those with shallow slopes. These findings can support successful planning, design, and management of smart NBS.