Optimal design of informal green spaces in cold-region settlements: an embodied cognition perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT With the development of cities in cold regions, the demand for green spaces surpasses what formal areas like city parks can provide. This study employs an embodied cognition approach, based on the valence-arousal dimension model, to assess the emotional responses of residents in cold regions to informal green spaces (IGSs) from both subjective and objective perspectives. The findings reveal that IGSs positively influence the emotional valence and arousal of residents. The study also examines how different sample characteristics impact these emotional responses, confirming that IGSs in cold regions enhance residents’ emotional states both subjectively and objectively. The manner in which these characteristics influence residents’ emotional responses is investigated by comparing various IGSs with distinct characteristics. Key factors such as aspect ratio, size, vegetation layout, and maintenance significantly influence emotional valence, while vegetation type notably affects emotional arousal. This research underscores the importance of IGSs in cold regions for fostering “urban green space equity”. It provides theoretical guidance for designing these spaces, focusing on subjective perceptions and objective measurements for enhancing emotional well-being in cold urban environments. The methods and results of this study can provide a workable reference for future research and for urban planners tasked with designing green spaces.