Therapeutic Qualities and Sustainable Approach to Heritage of the City. The Coastal Strip in Gda ´nsk, Poland

: In this paper, the case of the Coastal Strip in Gda´nsk is presented. Gda´nsk has natural and cultural heritage of great value and is included on Tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage List as “Gdansk—Town of Memory and Freedom”. The Coastal Strip is a rare example of landscape with natural dunes located within walking distance from densely populated residential districts. Therefore, the economic pressure for urban development is extremely strong. At the same time, the rise of social awareness about potential consequences of urbanization brought numerous e ﬀ orts by local activists and researchers to prevent further development of the Coastal Strip. This study consisted of assessment of therapeutic qualities of The Coastal Strip using a conceptual framework—a universal standard for health promoting places. The results demonstrated that The Coastal Strip is a health-promoting place, thus adding new research-based evidence against plans for urban development of that area.


Introduction
In this study, the case of The Coastal Strip in Gdańsk, Northern Poland is presented [1,2]. The Coastal Strip is a rare example of coastal landscape with natural dunes within walking distance from densely populated residential districts. It is a favorite recreational destination for not only local inhabitants but also tourists. Therefore, the economic pressure for urban development is extremely strong, as the market prices of apartments in this area are among the highest in the country. At the same time, people are increasingly aware of health promoting values of natural landscape and cultural heritage of the city. Thus, the plans for urban development of the Coastal Strip are raising social disapproval. Numerous studies concerning ecological and social values of that space were published. The Civic Project Development of the Coastal Strip in Gdansk was proposed in 2010 [1,2].
This case report investigates the therapeutic qualities of Gdańsk Coastal Strip. The assessment of therapeutic qualities was conducted with the conceptual framework of the universal standard of health-promoting places created by author. This case report can be used to justify the demand to protect the Coastal Strip from further development.

Literature Review
There is a plenty of evidence that environment affects human health [3,4]. Environment could be health-promoting and even therapeutic [5][6][7][8][9]. Gesler defined therapeutic landscapes as places where "physical and built environments, social conditions and human perceptions combine to produce an atmosphere which is conducive to healing" [6]. Researchers provided examples of places that have potential to

Case Study. The Coastal Strip in Gdańsk
The coastline of Gdańsk (The Coastal Strip) is selected as the case study ( Figure 1) for the following reasons. Gdańsk is a historic city and its coastline is perceived as cultural and natural heritage. Gdansk-Town of Memory and Freedom is included on Tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage List.
[19] The Coastal Strip has important natural, cultural, and social qualities. Sandy beaches and natural dunes-younger 'yellow' coastal dunes and older 'grey' dunes overgrown by seaside forest are located next to densely inhabited popular districts. (Figure 1) The dunes are populated by surprising richness of species. Many of them are rare and endangered (e.g., Arhenia Spathulata and Epipactis Atrorubens (Dark Red Helleborine) [1,2]. Moreover, small patches of well-preserved natural habitats mentioned in the Annexes of the European Union Habitats Directive, e.g., psammophilic vegetation with Koeleria Glauca, can be found there [1,2].
There are numerous places of cultural heritage-historic seaside parks: Brzeźno Park and Jelitkowo Park, relicts of fisherman villages, cemeteries, historical buildings, as well as remains of coastal artillery.
The coastline is a favorite place for recreational activities and is highly popular among holiday seekers during summer season. The pedestrian and bicycle promenade along the beach stretches from Gdańsk to Sopot and even further to Gdynia. It is a favorite path for family walks.
It is a place for physical activity, mental regeneration, and organizing social events. Sadly, today this place is endangered by sprawling urban development. The coastal zone is a subject of strong economic pressure for further development [1,2,[20][21][22]. As it is one of the most demanded locations (Figure 2), plans for new development, upscale apartments, or hotels are created. On the other side, numerous efforts to prevent urban development of the Coastal Strip were undertaken by local activists and researchers from Gdańsk universities and institutions [1,2,21]. The Civic Project Development of the Coastal Strip in Gdansk presented sustainable proposals for development [2]. The social movement is very active, with social media presence (e.g., www page, Facebook, etc.) The local spatial development plans are being constantly monitored [2]. The coastal zone is a subject of strong economic pressure for further development [1,2,[20][21][22]. As it is one of the most demanded locations (Figure 2), plans for new development, upscale apartments, or hotels are created. On the other side, numerous efforts to prevent urban development of the Coastal Strip were undertaken by local activists and researchers from Gdańsk universities and institutions [1,2,21]. The Civic Project Development of the Coastal Strip in Gdansk presented sustainable proposals for development [2]. The social movement is very active, with social media presence (e.g., www page, Facebook, etc.) The local spatial development plans are being constantly monitored [2].

Method and Data Collection
The main objective of this study was to find additional evidence to justify the social demand to protect the open green areas of The Coastal Strip from further urban development. The research question was whether The Coastal Strip is a health-promoting place? To answer this question, a conceptual framework for a universal standard of health-promoting places (Table 1) was used. It was created to consolidate the therapeutic attributes described by researchers and unify evidence into a ready-to-use tool. The tool organizes therapeutic attributes and allows for assessment and comparison.
The health-promoting qualities were divided into five categories: Sustainability, accessibility, amenities, design, and placemaking [11].  The coastal zone is a subject of strong economic pressure for further development [1,2,[20][21][22]. As it is one of the most demanded locations (Figure 2), plans for new development, upscale apartments, or hotels are created. On the other side, numerous efforts to prevent urban development of the Coastal Strip were undertaken by local activists and researchers from Gdańsk universities and institutions [1,2,21]. The Civic Project Development of the Coastal Strip in Gdansk presented sustainable proposals for development [2]. The social movement is very active, with social media presence (e.g., www page, Facebook, etc.) The local spatial development plans are being constantly monitored [2]. Three methods of research were used to develop the conceptual framework of the universal standard ( Figure 3). The first method was a literature review in search of space characteristics linked to therapeutic qualities. Based on this research the draft for the universal standard was developed. The second method was on-site field observation in selected parks in Europe and USA. Over 100 parks were studied. The third method-theory triangulation-was used to integrate the synthesized results of the literature review and field research in order to develop the final ready-to-use version of the universal standard. Three methods of research were used to develop the conceptual framework of the universal standard ( Figure 3). The first method was a literature review in search of space characteristics linked to therapeutic qualities. Based on this research the draft for the universal standard was developed. The second method was on-site field observation in selected parks in Europe and USA. Over 100 parks were studied. The third method-theory triangulation-was used to integrate the synthesized results of the literature review and field research in order to develop the final ready-to-use version of the universal standard. The universal standard was used to assess The Coastal Strip in Gdańsk therapeutic qualities. The evaluation was performed by the author-professional researcher-with a degree in architecture and urban design. The review of existing literature about the Coastal Strip was the first step, followed by numerous site visits, conducted over a couple of years (2013-2019). During those visits, observation, mapping the presence of visitors, and unstructured interviews were conducted.
In this study, The Coastal Strip in Gdańsk was treated as a large-scale urban park of new generation, encompassing smaller public parks and gardens in seaside districts of Gdańsk: Jelitkowo, The universal standard was used to assess The Coastal Strip in Gdańsk therapeutic qualities. The evaluation was performed by the author-professional researcher-with a degree in architecture and urban design. The review of existing literature about the Coastal Strip was the first step, followed by numerous site visits, conducted over a couple of years (2013-2019). During those visits, observation, mapping the presence of visitors, and unstructured interviews were conducted.
In this study, The Coastal Strip in Gdańsk was treated as a large-scale urban park of new generation, encompassing smaller public parks and gardens in seaside districts of Gdańsk: Jelitkowo, Brzeźno, and Nowy Port. The park was evaluated using the universal standard (Table 1). Both a thick binary and a detailed assessment were performed.

Results
The detailed assessment required a written explanation of why the researcher thought that the attribute was present. For better clarity, the results of the assessment are grouped into five tables representing five sections of the universal standard.

Sustainability
The assessment of sustainability (Table 2) demonstrated that The Coastal Strip can be treated as a modern park of new generation. Those parks are places where the sustainable development goes hand in hand with new forms of biodiversity protection. Moreover, the park is an important place for the local community. (Figures 4 and 5) It has no boundaries and spreads to transform the entire neighborhood into the grid of blue and green infrastructure [23][24][25]. Water quality The quality of water of Baltic Sea is sufficient for recreational use, e.g., bathing, swimming, etc. (Figure 4) Numerous potable water works which serve the city of Gdańsk area are located in that area.

Accessibility
The park was assessed as universally accessible to people of every age and special needs. Maximum of available points 26/26 were awarded. (Table 3) One of the major advantages of The Coastal Strip are attractive sandy beaches and open green space surrounded by forest. (Figures 4 and  5). The paths are comfortable, have even surfaces, and provide interesting views with long vistas (Figures 6-8).  The park was evaluated as sustainable open green and blue area. The result was 12 out of 15 points, because there was no evidence about natural maintenance methods, irrigation with non-potable water and ecological energy sources. However, those issues can be resolved by local authorities and park management.

Accessibility
The park was assessed as universally accessible to people of every age and special needs. Maximum of available points 26/26 were awarded. (Table 3) One of the major advantages of The Coastal Strip are attractive sandy beaches and open green space surrounded by forest. (Figures 4  and 5). The paths are comfortable, have even surfaces, and provide interesting views with long vistas (Figures 6-8).

Amenities
The recreational infrastructure was assessed as satisfactory. (Table 4) The basic needs of users are satisfied by park infrastructure (drinking fountains, cafes, restaurants, food stands, etc.)- (Figures 9 and 10) Therefore 14 out of 15 points were awarded. One point which was missing were community gardens. However, it is debatable whether they should be introduced.

Amenities
The recreational infrastructure was assessed as satisfactory. (Table 4) The basic needs of users are satisfied by park infrastructure (drinking fountains, cafes, restaurants, food stands, etc.)- (Figures 9  and 10) Therefore 14 out of 15 points were awarded. One point which was missing were community gardens. However, it is debatable whether they should be introduced.

Design
The results of the DESIGN section clearly indicate that any type of urban development would hinder the health-promoting qualities of The Coastal Strip (e.g., long vistas, framed views, sensory stimuli, engaging features, etc. (Table 5) (Figures 4-11). Therefore, 19 out of 20 points were awarded. One point was missing-sensory path, which could enhance the sensory experience. Optimal levels of complexity Yes, the composition of the park is legible, yet offers optimal levels of complexity 1 Engaging features There are multiple elements which attract attention ( Figure 5

Design
The results of the DESIGN section clearly indicate that any type of urban development would hinder the health-promoting qualities of The Coastal Strip (e.g., long vistas, framed views, sensory stimuli, engaging features, etc. (Table 5) (Figures 4-11). Therefore, 19 out of 20 points were awarded. One point was missing-sensory path, which could enhance the sensory experience. Possibility to observe animals Plenty of places to see wildlife from a distance. 1

Salutogenic Design 5/5
Optimal levels of complexity Yes, the composition of the park is legible, yet offers optimal levels of complexity 1 Engaging features There are multiple elements which attract attention ( Figure 5) 1

Controlled Risk
Several elements offer a subjective feeling of overcoming controlled risk, e.g., wooden platforms over wetlands (Figure 7, wooden pier in Brzeźno ( Figure 8)

Placemaking
The aspect of placemaking is very important. The Coastal Strip has a long tradition of being a favorite holiday destination. The historic parks, hotels, restaurants and wooden pier served visitors for decades, if not centuries. Today, that tradition is being reinvigorated with organization of cultural and sport events, e.g., Festival of Arts, Park Runs, etc. Therefore, 7 out of 8 points were awarded, as only thematic gardens could be added to reinforce the place identity. (Table 6) There are numerous points of interest to facilitate the creation of mental maps and wayfinding (Figures 8-11).

Placemaking
The aspect of placemaking is very important. The Coastal Strip has a long tradition of being a favorite holiday destination. The historic parks, hotels, restaurants and wooden pier served visitors for decades, if not centuries. Today, that tradition is being reinvigorated with organization of cultural and sport events, e.g., Festival of Arts, Park Runs, etc. Therefore, 7 out of 8 points were awarded, as only thematic gardens could be added to reinforce the place identity. (Table 6) There are numerous points of interest to facilitate the creation of mental maps and wayfinding (Figures 8-11).

The Main Findings of the Research
The binary assessment demonstrated that the coastal zone scored 90%-76 out of maximum 84 points, which is a very good result. This result confirmed that The Coastal Strip is a health-promoting place, important for public health. The loss of such a place would be difficult to compensate in a densely populated area. The scores are high in all five categories. The missing points are limited and could be easily amended. The result indicates that any development of The Coastal Strip should be carefully analyzed. Any fragmentation may hinder the health-promoting qualities.
The results of assessment of therapeutic qualities are confirmed by existing research on coastal landscapes. Coastal communities may attain better physical health due to leisure time spent near the sea, as blue settings offer numerous therapeutic qualities [25][26][27][28][29].

Future Research Directions
The limitation of the universal standard comes from the subjectivity of individual perception. While the majority of therapeutic attributes can be assessed objectively, some are subjective. The precise methods of comparison cannot be used, as it is impossible to evaluate and compare some therapeutic attributes: i.e., Sensory stimuli, Mystery, Fascination, Risk/Peril, etc. Moreover, the therapeutic experience of green area can vary among individuals. The subjectivisms of assessment could be mitigated only with a more detailed description. Detailed studies, conducted by a team of researchers who discuss and compare the results, would be recommended. It would also be important to repeat the assessment to monitor the health-promoting potential of The Coastal Strip. The results could indicate areas for potential improvement.
The universal standard for health-promoting places could be used to assess the therapeutic qualities of urban open green space in any city.

Conclusions
A universal standard for health-promoting places is a conceptual framework to evaluate open green space. It was developed by the author after many years of research. In this study, it was used to evaluate The Coastal Strip in Gdańsk. The results, 76 out of maximum 84 points (90%), demonstrated that The Coastal Strip is a health-promoting place, invaluable for health promotion of local inhabitants and occasional visitors.
The therapeutic qualities are perceived as subjective phenomena and therefore any claims funded on lost therapeutic values are often rebutted as ungrounded or unimportant. The assessment of therapeutic qualities could be used to justify the social demand for limiting plans of further urban development of The Coastal Strip. The protection of natural heritage and public health promotion is a good reason to turn down the prospective short-term economic gains resulting from urban development. The therapeutic qualities could be lost and are difficult, if not impossible, to compensate.
The recognized limitation of this study is evaluation by only one researcher. Although the majority of awarded points are invariable and would not change if the evaluation was performed by a team of researchers, there are still some subjective points. Therefore, further, more detailed studies may require evaluation by a team of researchers and comparison of results. It would be also recommended to repeat the assessment to monitor the health-promoting features.
In this study, The Coastal Strip was chosen, but the conceptual framework of the universal standard for health-promoting urban places could be used to evaluate the qualities of any open public green space.