Green Space Design Research Articles

Features of urban green spaces associated with positive emotions, mindfulness and relaxation

There is an established consensus among researchers that contact with nature improves mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life in urbanised environments. Studies tend to examine the health impacts of nature without identifying specific physical and spatial landscape features that could guide health-promoting design of urban green spaces. A growing body of evidence suggests that landscape features described in the Contemplative Landscape Model (CLM) can be used to measure therapeutic value of urban landscapes. CLM assesses urban landscapes across seven sub-scales: Layers of the Landscape, Landform, Vegetation, Color and Light, Compatibility, Archetypal Elements and Character of Peace and Silence. We exposed 74 healthy adults to six urban landscapes in laboratory (video representations) and naturalistic outdoor settings. We explored the associations between the visual quality of urban landscapes annotated with CLM, with self-reported positive emotions and brain activity consistent with mindfulness (Theta waves), relaxation (Alpha waves) and attention restoration (Beta waves), and differences between laboratory and naturalistic setting. CLM scores predicted self-reported Valence and Arousal, and low frequency power bands: Alpha and Theta in the naturalistic setting. Landscape features showing the strongest associations were Character of Peace and Silence, Layers of the Landscape and Archetypal Elements. Alpha, Theta brain reactivity and Arousal scores, were significantly different between laboratory and naturalistic settings (p < 0.05), while Valence scores between those settings were statistically identical (p = 0.22). Self-reported Valence and Arousal, but not brain activity, were significantly associated with the majority of landscape features in the laboratory setting. The results of the study provide guidelines on the urban landscape features most beneficial for human health, to inform urban green space design.

Rancangan Lansekap Gedung Kuliah E Kampus Institut Teknologi Kalimantan Sebagai Ruang Multi Fungsi

The presence of open spaces in the spatial order of the campus can encourage students to engage in outdoor activities aimed at improving their quality of life and academic performance. Providing an integrated, open campus space is the key to creating a unique, dynamic, and aesthetic campus. During development, Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) continues to develop the infrastructure to support all lecture events, one of which is an open space configuration for College Building E. The landscape design process for this college building is in progress. It consists of five steps consisting of (1) problem identification; (2) data collection; (3) data analysis; (4) formulation of concepts; and (5) Design. The landscape design concept of College Building E conceptually applies the principle of multifunctional space as seen in the design of public green open spaces that combine the functions of public and green spaces. The coexistence of public and green spaces creates harmony in the design of educational, recreational, interactive, aesthetic, and dynamic open spaces.

Perencanaan alun-alun Tastura Kota Praya, Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Barat

Tastura Square is one of the city parks in Central Lombok Regency which has an area of ??24,750 m2 (2.47 ha) or contributes 0.17% of Green Open Space (GOS) of Praya City. Apart from being a city park, Tastura Square also has several other functions such as City GOS and recreational areas for the surrounding community. In other words, Tastura Square functions as a place of entertainment for the community, and a place to spend time with family as well as the performance of several local cultural attractions. This research aims to accommodate the cultural activities of the local community while maintaining its function as GOS for Praya City. This study used a survey method with observation techniques, interviews, questionnaires and literature study. The basic concept of this research is Tatas Tuhu Trasna which is the motto of Central Lombok which forms the basic foundation in the site planning process. The final result of this research is the planning of GOS in Tastura Square which is divided into three main rooms, namely, the educational environment room (Tatas), the social room (Tuhu) and the cultural room (Trasna) with two buffer rooms namely the reception room and the supporting room. Further research is needed regarding the design of green open space in tastura square to pay more attention to aspects of site area management.

Does urban green space justly improve public health and well-being? A case study of Tianjin, a megacity in China

Urban green space (UGS) planning and design can not only influence economic development and the ecological environment but also have a significant impact on urban public health. Facing the increasingly serious public health crisis in megacities, promoting environmental justice in UGS, and improving the health and well-being of urban residents have become critical issues to be addressed in response to the global urban sustainable development goals (SDGs). Using data from a survey of 682 residents in the central district of Tianjin, we constructed a structural equation model based on theoretical analyses of spatial justice, social stratification, and Rawls' theory to reveal injustices in the accessibility of health benefits of UGS among residents of different socioeconomic status (SES) and explore the ways in which SES affects residents' health and well-being via UGS. The results indicate that: (1) Increasing the intensity of green space exposure can improve residents' health and well-being, but due to the urban green space premium effect, inequities exist among residents of different SES in enjoying the health benefits of UGS, thus deepening health inequality in megacities. (2) SES can influence residents' health and well-being through three paths: “green premium mechanism”, “green exposure mechanism”, and “green chain mechanism”, and green space premium and green space exposure play a mediating role in the influence of SES on residents' health and well-being. (3) To promote environmental justice in UGS, provide urban human care, and guarantee public health equality, the UGS in China's megacities needs to be further explored in terms of UGS layout optimization, service quality improvement, and management system guarantee.

Investigating the Changes in Urban Green-Space Patterns with Urban Land-Use Changes: A Case Study in Hangzhou, China

Urban green space (e.g., parks, farmland, gardens, etc.) design in different urban functional regions (e.g., residential land, commercial land, etc.) depends on different planning purposes. The changes in urban green spaces are highly related to urban land-use changes (e.g., from residential land to commercial land). However, the investigation of urban green space patterns in response to urban land-use changes has been ignored. This research takes Hangzhou city, a typical example in terms of urbanization, population growth, economic development, and land-use changes, as the study site, aiming to explore the landscape patterns of urban green space changes with different urban land-use changes. The results showed that urban green spaces increased from 2017 to 2021, and the growth was mainly concentrated in the urban core area, indicating that the city has made remarkable achievements in the planning of green spaces. Specifically, the increase in urban green spaces in the first ring belt was mainly related to the old town transformation program in the residential land. The change from the residence parcels to the business parcels determined the increase in green spaces in the second and third ring belts, probably because of the attractiveness of customers. In addition, a large number of open-space parcels have changed to business parcels around the urban periphery, which might be due to the transformation from farmland to impervious surfaces. Combined with the urban land-use and green-space policies, the findings highlighted that a reasonable urban land-use layout can promote the optimization and layout of urban green spaces. The private sector (e.g., shopping malls) can also contribute to the increase in green spaces. The understanding of urban green landscapes with different urban land-use changes can provide references for analyzing and optimizing green space in other cities experiencing rapid urban land-use changes.

Research on the Satisfaction of Beijing Waterfront Green Space Landscape Based on Social Media Data

Urban blue–green space is essential to the normal functioning of the urban landscape ecosystem, and it is also a significant metric for assessing the quality of urban human settlements. In China’s territorial space planning, the overall planning strategy’s implementation depends on constructing the blue–green space network in the urbanized construction area. This paper used 85 typical riverside parks in Beijing’s blue–green space as the research object, collecting and analyzing multiple social media user data. It explored the main factors that influenced people’s satisfaction with the landscape design and sensory perception of urban waterfront green space from the perspectives of parks beside different river systems, parks of different types, and parks in different districts. The distinction between urban waterfront green space evaluation was further discussed through variance analysis. The research revealed the following findings: (1) by comparing the total number of park reviews in different seasons, it could be observed that tourists evidently preferred the spring landscape, and the winter landscape construction of waterfront green space needs to be improved. (2) By comparing the review stars of different parks, it could be observed that tourists appreciated parks with multiple functions, excellent recreation facilities, complete management services and parks close to the city center. Functions and services became important influencing factors for park evaluation. (3) There was room for improvement in water ecology in the river landscapes of parks adjacent to various river systems, and people paid more attention to the level of service facilities. (4) According to different categories of parks, people’s demand for service facilities, activity organization, cultural displays and other aspects was different. (5) Among parks in different districts, people preferred the distinctive animal and plant landscapes and recreational activities of parks in districts on the outskirts of the city. According to the conclusions, suggestions were made for optimizing and improving Beijing’s waterfront green space, providing managers with technical support and a basis for decision-making.

Study on planning and design of green space in community-life circle based on population health: a case study of Huilongguan and Tiantongyuan area, Changping District, Beijing

ISHS VIII International Conference on Landscape and Urban Horticulture Study on planning and design of green space in community-life circle based on population health: a case study of Huilongguan and Tiantongyuan area, Changping District, Beijing

Use and design of public green spaces in Serbian cities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Since December 2019, the global community has been challenged by managing the COVID-19 health crisis. Some governments have restricted the use of public green spaces (PGS), as part of measures for limiting the spread of the virus. Although many scholars studied the changing perception of using PGS during the pandemic, the extent to which the planning and design of new PGS recognize new realities and lessons learned from the ongoing pandemic including requirements for social distancing is less illuminated. Against this background, this article seeks to assess the intersection between the institutional responsibility in planning, designing and managing PSG, and the corresponding perception by PGS users in the two Serbian cities Belgrade and Novi Sad during the ongoing pandemic. Therefore, the paper surveyed 400 respondents about their perception of introduced measures and physical settings of PGS including their specific suggestions concerning which features, if included, would help them remain vigilant during a pandemic. The findings suggest that people have very clear and diverse ideas about the planning, design and management of PGS during a health crisis adapted to their individual needs but also beneficial to the whole local community. In reviewing public green space design competition calls and results published from 2019 to 2021, this study finds that the global lessons learned about the use of public green spaces during the pandemic were not considered by local governments and professionals in Serbia when planning and designing them. In addition, residents are less likely to request changing ways of implementing, designing or managing PGS from their local government. These two aspects are striking in successfully shaping and managing PGS as a crucial resource in cities and communities bouncing back after the COVID-19 pandemic.

P08-03 Integrating public health expertise to support green space planning by promoting active lifestyles in Slovenia

Issue/problemTo minimize public health risks and promote HEPA among citizens, an integrated approach between public health experts and spatial planning is much needed. However, cross-sectoral cooperation is very demanding and needs harmonization of concepts and professional terms to reach mutual understanding.Description of the problemIn 2017 the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia launched the programme entitled Expert Basis for Spatial Planning of Green Areas, aimed at HEPA promotion for citizens. It was co-financed by the Ministry of Health and based on the objectives in the National Programme on Nutrition and Health Enhancing Physical Activity 2015-2025 and the Strategy of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Children and Youth Environmental Health 2012-2020. Its purpose is to expertly support the planning and development of towns/settlements in Slovenia for better quality of life and direct it for active and healthy lifestyles of citizens of all ages and social groups. To properly address all relevant issues, cooperation with the National Institute of Public Health was established.Results (effects/changes)The programme contained multidisciplinary collaboration in a form of consultation workshops and an expert review of the programme publication named Going Out for Health: A green space planning manual to promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. The emphasis was on supporting spatial planning issues on quality of green spaces with basic objectives of public health perspectives. The guide is the first example of linking public health promotion approaches and quality aspects of green space planning and design in Slovenia. It contains general guidelines for the planning of green areas aimed at promoting HEPA, expert materials to support municipalities in devising relevant approaches, and decision-making in order to provide useful and attractive green areas.LessonsThe aspects of green area spatial planning aimed at promoting HEPA are diverse and closely interconnected. The programme and its manual reflect a good cooperation example between spatial planning and public health experts.Main messagesA good collaboration between urban planners and public health professionals is crucial to prepare useful guidelines for spatial planners and municipality decision-makers on green space planning for HEPA promotion.

Urban Green Space Planning and Design for Sponge City

Urban green space designed based on the concept of sponge city is an important sponge carrier. Guided by the theory of landscape ecology, this article introduces the artificial neural network (ANN) model and uses the research method of landscape pattern index to establish a model for the proportion of urban green space types and the characteristics and dynamic changes of landscape spatial pattern. Based on the optimal landscape pattern index, the theoretical value of the optimal proportion of ecological green space, community park, comprehensive park, roadside green space, protective green space, and strip green space is obtained through the model. Based on this proportion value, combined with the ANN model, the reasonable evaluation results of patch density and average perimeter area ratio, spread degree, and diversity index of planned green space are obtained. Then, according to the influence of various green spaces on each landscape index, the development trend of urban green space construction in the future is predicted.

Native or Exotic: A Bibliographical Review of the Debate on Ecological Science Methodologies: Valuable Lessons for Urban Green Space Design

Knowledge from ecological sciences is an important reference for landscape design as Urban Green Spaces (UGS) play a critical role in the ecological protection of cities. There is an ongoing debate among ecologists on the value of exotic vegetation to ecosystem resilience and integrity, with authors arguing that in order for ecosystems to survive in future climates, exotic species with similar conditions in their current range must be considered. Others deem biodiversity vital for ecosystem functions and services, stating that most biodiversity losses are man-induced and should be addressed through the enhancement of native communities. Through a literature review, we confronted the arguments used in this debate, with the aim of conducting a comprehensive analysis of the potential of exotic and native vegetation in different aspects of the vegetation’s performance. The outcomes are important for the assessment of vegetation assemblages within UGS projects. Despite the strong arguments regarding their performative and adaptive capacity, we conclude that exotics pose significant ecological risks and have multiple negative impacts on ecosystem processes. Natives not only present high adaptive capacity, but also provide additional benefits for biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, and for people. In a broader framework, the literature demonstrates a preference for the use of native species in most situations.

Patterns of human behaviour in public urban green spaces: On the influence of users' profiles, surrounding environment, and space design

Public urban green spaces (PUGS) play a vital role in the dense urban fabric as places of Nature-Society contact and socialization. Despite some advances in the field, the relationship between the PUGS surroundings and their users' behaviours remains unclear. This study examined the patterns of human behaviour in four PUGS of the city of Porto, on the north Portuguese coast, where the behavioural mapping method was applied. Observational data regarding 979 PUGS users' socio-demographics and behaviours were recorded on a base map and a grid between August and November 2020. The use patterns during different times of the day were disaggregated across behaviours and users' profiles, and their relationship with the surroundings and design elements was assessed with ANOVA, Chi-Square test, and Pearson correlation. The findings presented may pave the way for future studies and inform the urban planning and design of the effectiveness of new interventions, namely providing more accurate aligning between the greenspace design language with users' needs. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of considering the sociodemographic background of PUGS users and the surroundings to guide designers and planners.

Design and Evaluation of Green Space In Situ Rainwater Regulation and Storage Systems for Combating Extreme Rainfall Events: Design of Shanghai Gongkang Green Space to Adapt to Climate Change

Global climate change has led to more extreme rainfall events. Exploring the different design schemes of rainwater in situ regulation and storage systems in green spaces to cope with extreme rainfall events is critical to cities for combating flood disasters. Using the Gongkang green space as the research object and the XPDrainage software program as the simulation tool, this study explored and evaluated different design schemes of rainwater in situ regulation and storage systems in green spaces and their responses to extreme rainfall events in Shanghai. Based on the simulated results of the runoff curves, paths and ponding area of the Gongkang green space, the ideal number and position of rainwater regulation and storage facilities were determined. Four different schemes were examined: Scheme A (diversion-oriented), Scheme B (infiltration- and detention-oriented) and schemes C and D (comprehensive rainwater regulation and storage systems). From the simulation evaluation, the total runoff volume capture rate of Scheme C reached 100%, 99.8% and 98.2% under one-, three- and five-year return period rainfall events, respectively. For the 210 mm extraordinary rainstorm event, Scheme C’s and Scheme D’s total runoff volume capture rates reached 81.9% and 94.7%, respectively. Therefore, the comprehensive rainwater regulation and storage schemes (schemes C and D) met the runoff control requirements under extreme rainfall events in the Gongkang green space. This study provides a technical reference for the optimal design of a rainwater in situ regulation and storage system in a green space and promotes the construction of resilient cities.

The advantage of mobile technologies in crowdsourcing landscape preferences: Testing a mobile app to inform planning decisions

Urban green spaces are vital for cities to achieve sustainability. Optimal design and management of green space is necessary to counter pressure from increased use due to urban densification and therefore needs to account for the preferences of its potential users. However, preference is inherently subjective and difficult to measure. This study tested a crowdsourcing method using a mobile app for on-site data collection to study the use of, perception of, and preferences for different green configurations in the Rembrandtpark, a large urban park in Amsterdam. Responses obtained through the mobile app were compared to those obtained through more traditional on-site and postal surveys to identify differences in sampled population and results. We found clear differences in respondent samples and in stated preferences when comparing the mobile app and the traditional survey methods. Mobile app respondents (n = 154) were younger and more willing to become more involved with park management. They were also less satisfied with most aspects of locations and found them more noisy. On-site survey respondents (n = 146) appeared more susceptible to response bias in their answers to certain questions. Employing different recruitment methods is important to engage different park user types and account for multiple perceptions.

Green Space for health promotion

Green spaces or green infrastructure or urban green spaces are defined as outdoor spaces “partially or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs or other types of vegetation and include, among others, parks, forests and municipal gardens”. The design and use of urban green spaces has become increasingly important in recent years as a form of contrast to the deleterious effects of urbanization. The presence of such spaces on the territory and access to the latter therefore represents a significant form of health promotion, as well as an important factor that determines it: it is therefore necessary to consider the main benefits provided by the presence of green spaces. These benefits can be of multiple nature: they go from environmental benefits (such as the management of clean water, the reduction of air and water pollution and protection against soil erosion) to social benefits (improvement of health and well-being, creation of new jobs, increase in tourism), up to consider benefits inherent in the adaptation and mitigation of climate change and biodiversity. It is therefore essential to have adequate design of green space: for these benefits to be effective, it is necessary to plan services to the person and adequate accessibility interventions, in line with the virtuous logic that green spaces can help to promote.

Green Space for health promotion

Green spaces or green infrastructure or urban green spaces are defined as outdoor spaces “partially or completelycovered with grass, trees, shrubs or other types of vegetation and include, among others, parks, forests and municipalgardens”. The design and use of urban green spaces has become increasingly important in recent years as a formof contrast to the deleterious effects of urbanization. The presence of such spaces on the territory and access to thelatter therefore represents a significant form of health promotion, as well as an important factor that determines it: itis therefore necessary to consider the main benefits provided by the presence of green spaces. These benefits can be ofmultiple nature: they go from environmental benefits (such as the management of clean water, the reduction of air andwater pollution and protection against soil erosion) to social benefits (improvement of health and well-being, creationof new jobs, increase in tourism), up to consider benefits inherent in the adaptation and mitigation of climate changeand biodiversity. It is therefore essential to have adequate design of green space: for these benefits to be effective, it isnecessary to plan services to the person and adequate accessibility interventions, in line with the virtuous logic thatgreen spaces can help to promote.

Integrated and coherent urban planning based on regional development strategies

Any modern urban community has to overview the development strategy regarding the future development. The lack of such a vision may lead to missed development opportunities, resources which are irrationally consumed, urban chaotic development. The study has been conducted with the focus on the city of Cluj, Romania but the findings are very much applicable to developing city like Riyadh. A harmonious urban development can be achieved only through an integrated approach of all the factors that influence the dynamics of the urban life: economic, environmental, social, cultural etc. This type of approach is crucial in urban design considering the problems facing cities nowadays regarding demographic variations, various economic fluctuations, lack of jobs, climate changes. According to the design regulations, sustainable planning should be based on four principles: global, functional, prospective and democratic. Urban design at regional level means practically a close collaboration at the level of sectorial policies between all municipalities in order to function as a whole. The paper discusses the urban development strategies of the Cluj-Napoca metropolitan area (sectorial strategies, strategic directions, operational programs). The project focuses on the main development problems that have arisen in Cluj-Napoca in the past decades, trying to find solutions in order to improve the quality of life; such as different infrastructure projects, redesign of urban spaces, refurbishing old building situated in historical centre etc. One of the main focuses of the paper regards is the expansion of public transportation, special attention being paid to the persons with disabilities and elderly; development of reliable and sustainable infrastructure at regional level, urban, periurban and rural areas in order to support economic development of Cluj-Napoca city. Another focus of the paper discusses the design and renovation of green spaces around the city. The research aims to be a guideline offering valuable suggestions for further urban development guides in terms of sustainable design for cities that are rapidly developing. Furthermore, it is of great relevance for the Saudi Vision 2030 regarding the sustainable cities and communities, building resilient and sustainable infrastructure in order to support economic growth, focusing on retrofitting industry and increasing resource-use efficiency.

Canopy interception and water harvesting function of shrubs in urban green spaces of semi-humid region and their influencing factors

In the semi-humid region, developing innovative water conservation urban green space design and facilitating urban greening projects from high water consumption to water conservation are hot topics in research and practice. Using the simulated rainfall method, we explored the water interception and collection functions and their influencing factors of six shrub species (Ligustrum ×vicaryi, Euonymus japonicas, Buxus sinica var. parvifolia, Photinia ×fraseri, Juniperus chinensis and Platycladus orientalis) in urban green space in the semi-humid region. The results showed that canopy interception and water harvesting were two stages in hydrological processes. The canopy interception of coniferous shrubs was high, while their stemflow was low. When the rainfall intensity increased, throughfall rates and stem-flow rates of all shrub species increased significantly, while the interception rate relatively decreased. The throughfall and stem-flow rates of broad-leaved shrubs were significantly higher than those of coniferous shrubs. The canopy interception was significantly lower in broad-leaved shrub species than in coniferous ones. At the center of canopy projection, the throughfall rate was the lowest. The leaf area index (LAI) and throughfall rate decreased gradually from the center of the canopy projection area. When the rainfall intensity was small, the throughfall rate at the center of canopy projection area was low, and thus the interception rate and the stem-flow rate were higher. When the rainfall intensity was more elevated, throughfall at the center of canopy projection area was large, and thus the interception rate and the stem-flow rate were low. With increasing rainfall intensity, the funnel-shaped water collection system tended to shrink due to the increases of throughfall rate at the edge of canopy. Rainfall intensity and LAI were the most critical factors affecting water harvesting function. Planting broad-leaved shrubs under the forest may be more effective in water harvesting than planting coniferous shrubs.

A Systematic Literature Review and Research Frontier Analysis of Health Research in Urban Green Space

As urban problems and the COVID-19 pandemic worsen, public health issues are taken seriously. As an important part of building environment, urban green space has been concerned about its health. The paper of 2035 in Web of Science Core database is taken as the research object, and CiteSpace visualization software is used for research and analysis to clarify the status quo of urban green space and health (UGSH) field. The research shows that the research object has gradually expanded from a single green space to cities, countries and the world. The research focuses on the relationship between people and green space, and discusses the comprehensive benefits of green space. Research methods from early investigation and evaluation, simulation experiment to qualitative and quantitative cross analysis, formed a relatively perfect subjective and objective research paradigm. In addition, the research content mainly focuses on the urban ecosystem, mental health and physical health. In a review of the existing research, the urban green space to promote public health, the improvement of human welfare puts forward three Suggestions: 1) in the urban planning, the city as a comprehensive social ecosystem, the urban green space planning and design should pay attention to provide ecosystem services and create a social network, in order to improve the social and environmental justice; 2) Urban planning should consider residents' preferences for different green Spaces to create a more pleasant living environment; 3) Improve the coverage of urban green infrastructure and expand the ecological network.

Konsep Hidden Layer pada Perancangan Taman Brumbungan Kota Semarang

Hidden layers concept in the design of the Semarang City Brumbungan Park. Brumbungan Park is an open space located on Jalan Pringgading, Central Semarang District, Semarang City. The Location of Brumbungan Park in the previous condition was a vehicle parking area for culinary stalls in the vicinity. In 2016 there was a discourse to restore this park according to its function as a city park and green open space. The Central Java Environmental and Building Arrangement Work Unit in collaboration with the Central Java Regional Indonesian Architects Association held a green open space design competition to produce designs that could be implemented in the park. The Brumbungan park design that is offered tries to answer the problems and issues that occur around the park, as well as being able to accommodate various functions and activities in the park. The methodology used in this study are qualitative method by data inventory, analysis and synthesis then design concept determination and development. The result of the planning is the Hidden Layer of Semarang design concept, which means that even on a small scale, this new garden design is expected to contribute to green open spaces in Semarang, set a precedent, open new discourses, and become a catalyst for the development of parks and open spaces. Physical implementation of the concept, this park will be hidden and surrounded by vegetation (hidden layer) so that the facilities will be enjoyed while in the park.