Land | Special Issue : Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition

Research

28 pages, 17555 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Visualising and Valuing Urban Agriculture for Land Use Planning: A Critical GIS Analysis of Sydney and Neighbouring Regions

by Joshua Zeunert, Scott Hawken and Josh Gowers

Land 2025, 14(4), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040854 - 14 Apr 2025

Viewed by 797

Abstract

The loss of a city’s agricultural lands due to land use change through urban development is a global problem, as local food production is an essential green infrastructure for intergenerational sustainability. Like many cities, much of Sydney’s rapid urban development occurs on land [...] Read more.

The loss of a city’s agricultural lands due to land use change through urban development is a global problem, as local food production is an essential green infrastructure for intergenerational sustainability. Like many cities, much of Sydney’s rapid urban development occurs on land previously used for food production. Sydney has one of the highest rates of urban growth among Western cities and a planning strategy that marginalises its agricultural productivity. To better understand and advocate for Sydney’s capacity for food production we explore all available government datasets containing agricultural biophysical capacity using a critical GIS approach. Employing various spatial-data visualisations to contextualise agricultural production, we examine inherent biophysical agricultural capacity in Sydney and comparable regions along the eastern coast of NSW. Our approach interrogates the notion that Sydney’s metropolitan landscape is of low inherent biophysical quality for agriculture, thereby challenging current development and planning orthodoxy and policy. In ascertaining Sydney’s comparative capacity for agriculture we find that, despite current metropolitan planning policy, datasets reveal western Sydney is biophysically well suited for agriculture. Sydney overall is comparable to five of six other coastal regions of NSW and superior to at least two. While acknowledging metropolitan land use complexities that shape agricultural production in practice, we argue for improved critical application and contextual understanding of existing agricultural datasets to better inform future planning policy to advance regional food security and aid long-term sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Which Factors Enhance the Perceived Restorativeness of Streetscapes: Sound, Vision, or Their Combined Effects? Insights from Four Street Types in Nanjing, China

by Xi Lu, Jiamin Xu, Eckart Lange and Jingwen Cao

Land 2025, 14(4), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040757 - 1 Apr 2025

Viewed by 675

Abstract

Streetscapes play a critical role in restorative landscapes, offering opportunities for promoting public well-being. Previous studies have predominantly examined the influence of visual and auditory stimuli on perceived restorativeness independently. There is a limited understanding of their interactive effects. In this research, 360 [...] Read more.

Streetscapes play a critical role in restorative landscapes, offering opportunities for promoting public well-being. Previous studies have predominantly examined the influence of visual and auditory stimuli on perceived restorativeness independently. There is a limited understanding of their interactive effects. In this research, 360 participants completed a series of experiments considering four distinct street types, including visual comfort assessment, acoustic environment assessment, and perceived restorativeness. They were assigned to a control group and one of three experimental groups, each receiving specific enhancement: visual stimuli, auditory stimuli, or a combination of audiovisual stimuli. The findings revealed that the experimental groups reported a greater sense of restorativeness compared to the control group. Notably, auditory stimuli demonstrated a more pronounced restorative effect than visual stimuli, while limited differences were found between auditory and audiovisual stimuli. The differences in experimental outcomes among the four street types are compared and discussed, highlighting context-specific guidelines for enhancing streetscape restorativeness. The research findings highlight enhancing the masking effect of soundscape in street environmental design. The study adds a novel multi-sensory approach to the current body of research on restorative landscapes, providing significant insights for the planning and design of streetscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6051 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Recognising the Fourth Nature: A Case Study of Spontaneous Urban Vegetation in Southwest Australian Cities

by Katherine Stewart and Maria Ignatieva

Land 2025, 14(3), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030467 - 24 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 799

Abstract

Urban nature exists in all cities, including spontaneous nature. Spontaneous vegetation has been well-documented in the broader ecological literature in the Northern Hemisphere in recent decades. However, the recognition of, and interest in, spontaneous nature in Australia is limited. Our study initiated research [...] Read more.

Urban nature exists in all cities, including spontaneous nature. Spontaneous vegetation has been well-documented in the broader ecological literature in the Northern Hemisphere in recent decades. However, the recognition of, and interest in, spontaneous nature in Australia is limited. Our study initiated research on spontaneous vegetation in Southwest Australia from a landscape architectural site analysis approach with vegetation surveys. This study created an inventory of plants in four biotope types (specific abiotic environments with associated plant communities), i.e., cracks, walls, margins, and vacant lots, in two cities. Twenty-four sites were surveyed four times over a calendar year, and 145 plant species were identified. More than 90% of the species were naturalised, with native ranges most common in the Mediterranean Basin (34 species), and predominantly annuals (73 species). Only eight species were native to Southwest Australia. Our analysis revealed some of the cultural and ecological characteristics of these sites and species, i.e., environmental histories, pollinator habitats, the temporary statuses of sites with spontaneous nature, and their potential, e.g., altering maintenance schedules to retain foraging resources. Therefore, this study recommends further exploration of spontaneous nature through small-scale site analysis approaches and at larger scales for a more detailed understanding of this, at present, overlooked part of nature in Southwest Australian cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 20935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Street Tree Redevelopment in Rome’s Historical Landscapes: From Strategic Vision to Streetscape Design

by Matteo Clemente

Land 2025, 14(2), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020233 - 23 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1146

Abstract

Street trees play a fundamental role in shaping pedestrian sidewalks, squares, and small rest areas, enriching the public space, together with paving, street furniture, and lighting. However, the project of street tree lines along urban sidewalks remains an underestimated issue in urban design [...] Read more.

Street trees play a fundamental role in shaping pedestrian sidewalks, squares, and small rest areas, enriching the public space, together with paving, street furniture, and lighting. However, the project of street tree lines along urban sidewalks remains an underestimated issue in urban design and strategic planning, even if it could be a pivotal opportunity for a widespread redevelopment of living streets and public spaces. The present study focuses on landscape aspects of the ‘street tree project’ intrinsically linked with the identity, perception, and morphological issues of urban spaces, from a strategic vision of the city to the human scale of the urban landscape. In this perspective, we discussed the case of Rome, Italy, where the historical heritage has had an extraordinary value, and where street trees are considered a notable contribution to the landscape identity of the whole city. The administrative council of the Municipality of Rome has initiated a comprehensive census of street trees and is currently developing a Street Tree Masterplan. This plan will serve as a guiding framework, outlining strategies for the conservation of arboreal heritage and the revitalization of the urban tree population along city streets. Based on the empirical evidence stemming from this case study, the discussion highlights the relevance of poorly debated issues, in both the academic and practitioner’s literature, mainly concerning the choice of urban trees’ species. Choosing the ‘right tree species in the right place’ has implications that are not only ecological and environmental, but also perceptive and architectural, being intimately associated with the urban scene and the identity of places. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 22426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Codesigning More-than-Human Ecosystems with Social and Environmental Systems: The Gamification of NetWall and BioDiveIn

by Marie Davidová, María Claudia Valverde Rojas and Hanane Behnam

Land 2025, 14(1), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010165 - 15 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1228

Abstract

This study explores the integration of gamification into social and environmental systems to enhance urban biodiversity and foster the co-creation of ecosystems. It focuses on two key contributions: the development of tangible ecosystemic interventions, such as habitat extensions and edible landscapes, and the [...] Read more.

This study explores the integration of gamification into social and environmental systems to enhance urban biodiversity and foster the co-creation of ecosystems. It focuses on two key contributions: the development of tangible ecosystemic interventions, such as habitat extensions and edible landscapes, and the gamification of these interventions to engage communities. The interventions were codesigned using systems-oriented design methods, including gigamapping and prototyping, to produce scalable DIY solutions that empower communities to replicate these practices on their own. Additionally, urban games were created to incentivize participation by rewarding individuals for their contributions to biodiversity restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 4212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Impact of Oil Refinery on Landscape Values Perception and Mental Health: A Case Study of Tehran

by Mahdi Gheitasi, David Serrano Giné and Yolanda Pérez Albert

Land 2025, 14(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010064 - 1 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1094

Abstract

In today’s society, stress is recognized as a major contributor to illness. It can be reduced through exercise, which lowers stress hormones, and exposure to daylight, which regulates hormones such as cortisol and melatonin. Furthermore, the design and perception of the environment can [...] Read more.

In today’s society, stress is recognized as a major contributor to illness. It can be reduced through exercise, which lowers stress hormones, and exposure to daylight, which regulates hormones such as cortisol and melatonin. Furthermore, the design and perception of the environment can indicate danger or safety, influencing stress levels and mental health. This study examines the Tehran Oil Refinery’s impact on local residents’ perceptions of landscape values and mental health. Oil refineries, which use compounds derived from natural gas or crude oil, pose both short- and long-term environmental and health risks. Using a Geographic Information System for Public Participation (PPGIS), the study investigates how the industrial landscape surrounding the Tehran Oil Refinery influences residents’ emotional responses and stress levels. The study collects sociodemographic data, self-perceived health data, and landscape valuations before and after photography interventions. The findings indicate a complex relationship between the refinery’s presence and perceptions of landscape values. Manipulated photographs used in the study show how visual elements can influence emotional responses, highlighting a direct link between stress and environmental perception. This case study adds to larger discussions about the effects of industrialization on public mental health and the environment, emphasizing the importance of incorporating public perception into urban planning in order to achieve sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Street Furniture: User and Non-User Perspectives of the ChillOUT Hub

by Nancy Marshall, Kate Bishop, Homa Rahmat, Susan Thompson and Christine Steinmetz-Weiss

Land 2024, 13(12), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122084 - 3 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1774

Abstract

This article addresses gaps in knowledge about whether or not smart street furniture could enhance the relationship between people and place, and whether it improves the design, amenity and management of public open space. An Australian design team, comprising a local council, a [...] Read more.

This article addresses gaps in knowledge about whether or not smart street furniture could enhance the relationship between people and place, and whether it improves the design, amenity and management of public open space. An Australian design team, comprising a local council, a street furniture manufacturer, and academics, designed, built, piloted, and assessed a new piece of smart street furniture called a ‘ChillOUT Hub’. This Hub is an integrated street furniture system, designed for public open spaces. It is enabled with ‘smart’ technology features such as Wi-Fi, mobile device charging stations, plus infrastructure usage and environmental sensors. The Hub aims to support social health, improve microclimatic conditions, and provide equitable access to technology. Street survey processes were undertaken with both ‘users’ and ‘non-users’ of the Hubs. The findings help to identify what value digitally enhanced street furniture actually has in open space and how that value is perceived by the public. The Council and Hub users overwhelmingly appreciated the newly designed street furniture and its smart amenities. Non-users clarified why they did not use smart street furniture and discussed the option of having digital amenities in public spaces more generally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 12713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing Stress-Relieving Small Inner-City Park Environments for Teenagers

by Aida Nosrati, Mahdieh Pazhouhanfar, Chongxian Chen and Patrik Grahn

Land 2024, 13(10), 1633; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101633 - 8 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2224

Abstract

All over the world, teenagers suffer from stress-related mental illness, and research shows that being in natural environments can bring about recovery. However, centrally located areas in cities where teenagers like to hang out are being densified at the expense of green spaces. [...] Read more.

All over the world, teenagers suffer from stress-related mental illness, and research shows that being in natural environments can bring about recovery. However, centrally located areas in cities where teenagers like to hang out are being densified at the expense of green spaces. The health-promoting function of small, centrally located parks is thus becoming increasingly important. This study examines Iranian teenagers’ assessment of the restorative potential of small, centrally located parks. Such parks include attributes typical of city centers, such as trees, lighting, park benches and flowers. A discrete sampling method was used to collect responses from a sample of 265 Iranian teenagers. They were asked to randomly rate the perceived recovery potential of digitally designed models of green spaces. The results show that the teenagers evaluated the presence of water in waterbeds to have a strong positive effect on recovery possibilities. The entire green area should also be screened off from the rest of the city and convey a soft impression. It should have lighting from tall lampposts, contain plant beds and, not least, have distinctive cultural attributes such as crescent arches and fountains. In the discussion of the article, we address the practical and theoretical implications of the findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leveraging Greenspace to Manage Urban Flooding: An Investigation of Nature-Based Solutions Implementation in U.S. Public Parks

by Jiayang Li and Ziyi Guo

Land 2024, 13(9), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091531 - 21 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2604

Abstract

Many cities are looking to adopt nature-based solutions (NBS) in greenspace to manage urban flooding and provide diverse co-benefits. Yet little research exists to inform the planning and design of park NBS. This study investigated NBS adoption in 58 public parks across major [...] Read more.

Many cities are looking to adopt nature-based solutions (NBS) in greenspace to manage urban flooding and provide diverse co-benefits. Yet little research exists to inform the planning and design of park NBS. This study investigated NBS adoption in 58 public parks across major U.S. cities, using a 2022 survey by the Trust for Public Lands and other secondary datasets. We developed a typology to conceptualize a wide range of park NBS into five high-level categories by size/capacity, location of the gray–green spectrum, and design objectives. We then employed this typology to explore how a park’s adopted NBS types may relate to its landscape and sociodemographic contexts. We found that the most used type of NBS in the studied parks was ECO (a typology we defined as conserving, restoring, or creating ecosystems to mitigate flooding through ecological processes and functions), while the least used NBS type was ENG (a typology we defined as imitating natural infiltration processes but having no living elements). Further, parks that adopted ECO had significantly higher percentages of greenspace in the surrounding, as well as higher flood risks. We also found notable—though not statistically significant—evidence of potential associations between the type of NBS implementation in a park and its nearby neighborhoods’ income level, poverty, and population racial and age compositions. Moreover, our findings indicated that park visitors were more privileged compared to residents living near a park. We concluded that park contextual factors deserve more explicit consideration in the planning and design of NBS and discussed key implications of this study for practice and future research around park NBS for urban flooding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deciphering Motorists’ Perceptions of Scenic Road Visual Landscapes: Integrating Binocular Simulation and Image Segmentation

by Zhaocheng Bai, Rui Ji and Jun Qi

Land 2024, 13(9), 1381; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091381 - 28 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1326

Abstract

Traditional scenic road visual landscape assessment methods struggle to quantify drivers’ subjective visual perceptions. This study aims to develop a new method to decipher Scenic Road Visual Landscape Evaluation (SRVLE) of motorists’ visual field, reconciling the longstanding subjectivity–objectivity dichotomy in landscape quality research. [...] Read more.

Traditional scenic road visual landscape assessment methods struggle to quantify drivers’ subjective visual perceptions. This study aims to develop a new method to decipher Scenic Road Visual Landscape Evaluation (SRVLE) of motorists’ visual field, reconciling the longstanding subjectivity–objectivity dichotomy in landscape quality research. By adopting binocular visual simulation and image segmentation, this paper conceptualizes a novel “non-scale semantic differential approach” to quantify landscape qualities across the dimensions of naturalness–artificiality (NA), diversity–coherence (DC), and openness–deepness (OD), constructing a three-dimensional visual landscape quality evaluation system. Taking the Nujiang Beautiful Road in Yunnan as a case study, the results show the following: (1) The three indicators reveal the scenic road’s distinctive visual landscape characteristics, marked by high naturalness, coherence, and relative openness. (2) SRVLE is found to vary between the two driving directions and different sections. (3) The three-dimensional evaluation cube intuitively displays the comprehensive characteristics of landscape quality, providing a basis for scenic road planning. This method offers a new approach to resolving the subjective–objective divide in SRVLE and can assist road administrations in enhancing policy planning, construction, and management, thereby promoting the high-quality development of scenic roads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 15884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Visitor Usage and Safety Perception Experiences in National Forest Parks

by Jing Zhao, Faziawati Abdul Aziz, Menglin Song, Hui Zhang, Norsidah Ujang, Yi Xiao and Ziyi Cheng

Land 2024, 13(9), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091341 - 23 Aug 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2149

Abstract

Various physical and environmental factors affect the recreational experience in national forest parks. Understanding visitors’ preferences regarding these factors is significant for promoting the physical and mental health and well-being of urban residents. This study aims to quantify residents’ usage patterns and safety [...] Read more.

Various physical and environmental factors affect the recreational experience in national forest parks. Understanding visitors’ preferences regarding these factors is significant for promoting the physical and mental health and well-being of urban residents. This study aims to quantify residents’ usage patterns and safety perceptions of national forest parks. It focuses particularly on Santai Mountain National Forest Park in Jiangsu, China, and conducted a semi-structured questionnaire survey with 688 participants. The statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics 24 was used for data analysis. A descriptive quantitative analysis was conducted on the respondents’ demographic information. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and an ordinal logistic regression model were employed to analyze the survey data. The survey results show that most visitors go to the forest park only once or twice a year, usually on weekends, holidays, and during leisure time rather than on workdays. Because the national forest park is located in the suburbs, the journey is long, and most visitors choose to drive there. Additionally, the majority of visitors go to the forest park with family and friends. Because the park is well managed and has complete safety facilities, most visitors feel safe in the national forest park. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

31 pages, 3620 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Expansion of Lifestyle Blocks in Peri-Urban New Zealand: A Review of the Implications for Environmental Management and Landscape Design

by Han Xie, Diane Pearson, Sarah J. McLaren and David Horne

Land 2025, 14(7), 1447; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14071447 - 11 Jul 2025

Viewed by 361

Abstract

Lifestyle blocks (LBs) are small rural holdings primarily used for residential and recreational purposes rather than commercial farming. Despite the rapid expansion of LBs over the last 25 years, which has been driven by lifestyle amenity preference and land subdivision incentives, their environmental [...] Read more.

Lifestyle blocks (LBs) are small rural holdings primarily used for residential and recreational purposes rather than commercial farming. Despite the rapid expansion of LBs over the last 25 years, which has been driven by lifestyle amenity preference and land subdivision incentives, their environmental performance remains understudied. This is the case even though their proliferation is leading to an irreversible loss of highly productive soils and accelerating land fragmentation in peri-urban areas. Through undertaking a systematic literature review of relevant studies on LBs in New Zealand and comparable international contexts, this paper aims to quantify existing knowledge and suggest future research needs and management strategies. It focuses on the environmental implications of LB activities in relation to water consumption, food production, energy use, and biodiversity protection. The results indicate that variation in land use practices and environmental awareness among LB owners leads to differing environmental outcomes. LBs offer opportunities for biodiversity conservation and small-scale food production through sustainable practices, while also presenting environmental challenges related to resource consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and loss of productive land for commercial agriculture. Targeted landscape design could help mitigate the environmental pressures associated with these properties while enhancing their potential to deliver ecological and sustainability benefits. The review highlights the need for further evaluation of the environmental sustainability of LBs and emphasises the importance of property design and adaptable planning policies and strategies that balance environmental sustainability, land productivity, and lifestyle owners’ aspirations. It underscores the potential for LBs to contribute positively to environmental management while addressing associated challenges, providing valuable insights for ecological conservation and sustainable land use planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

37 pages, 4792 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Toward a Construct-Based Definition of Urban Green Space: A Literature Review of the Spatial Dimensions of Measurement, Methods, and Exposure

by Doo Hong Lee, Brent Chamberlain and Hye Yeon Park

Land 2025, 14(3), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030517 - 1 Mar 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2247

Abstract

Interdisciplinary research has significantly advanced our understanding, benefits, and measurements of Urban Green Space (UGS). Further, the rapid expansion of research on this topic has resulted in a diverse array of definitions, which can rely on implicit assumptions without a formal definition. This [...] Read more.

Interdisciplinary research has significantly advanced our understanding, benefits, and measurements of Urban Green Space (UGS). Further, the rapid expansion of research on this topic has resulted in a diverse array of definitions, which can rely on implicit assumptions without a formal definition. This variability highlights the need for a carefully structured framework to refine and combine these definitions. This narrative review examines constructs underlying UGS, particularly focusing on the spatial aspects of how we spatially measure UGS, the measurements of UGS, and how we define exposure; the latter focuses on two methods: viewsheds and image segmentation. Our findings reveal a shift in UGS measurement focus, moving beyond simple quantification of how much green space exists, to incorporate visibility, accessibility, and availability dimensions. Furthermore, advancements in computational tools, including artificial intelligence-driven methods, now enable high-resolution visibility measurements on a city-wide scale, supporting epidemiological research and urban development. These insights aim to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting suitable methodologies and datasets, as well as explicitly defining UGS in their work through a construct-based approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

42 pages, 2325 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Design and Site-Related Factors Impacting the Cooling Performance of Urban Parks in Different Climate Zones: A Systematic Review

by Maryam Norouzi, Hing-Wah Chau and Elmira Jamei

Land 2024, 13(12), 2175; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122175 - 13 Dec 2024

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3086

Abstract

As cities expand rapidly, the combined effects of urbanization, global warming, and the intensification of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon have become more challenging for urban environments. In response, Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) has gained attention as a practical and effective tool [...] Read more.

As cities expand rapidly, the combined effects of urbanization, global warming, and the intensification of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon have become more challenging for urban environments. In response, Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) has gained attention as a practical and effective tool for mitigating UHI and improving climate change. Among various UGIs, urban parks have been the subject of numerous studies due to their proven ability to reduce air and surface temperatures, improve local microclimates, and enhance overall urban livability. This systematic review synthesizes the existing body of research to identify key factors that influence the cooling performance of urban parks. A total of 131 peer-reviewed studies between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed, focusing on both design-related and site-related factors that play pivotal roles in a park’s cooling effectiveness. Design-related factors include park size, shape, vegetation density and composition, the presence of water bodies, and impervious surfaces while site-related factors encompass background climate conditions, the proximity to natural water bodies, and the urban configuration surrounding the parks. The findings reveal that park size, tree coverage, and the presence of water bodies are the most influential design-related factors in enhancing cooling performance. For site-related factors, wind speed and direction emerged as critical components for maximizing cooling benefits. Research also showed urban configuration can affect the overall cooling performance by influencing airflow patterns and shading. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for cities worldwide as they strive to design parks that address their specific environmental and climatic challenges. The findings of this review offer practical guidance for landscape architects and urban planners, enabling them to design parks that deliver enhanced cooling benefits, especially when cities face rising temperatures and an increasing number of heatwaves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

17 pages, 1003 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Towards a De-Polarisation of Climate Guidance for Landscape Design and Policy

by Anastasia Nikologianni and Alex Albans

Land 2025, 14(6), 1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061140 - 23 May 2025

Viewed by 313

Abstract

For disciplines and professions concerned with the design and management of the physical environment, climate emergency has become an integral part of research and practice because these environmental challenges are inextricably linked to the land and how we use it. Working from an [...] Read more.

For disciplines and professions concerned with the design and management of the physical environment, climate emergency has become an integral part of research and practice because these environmental challenges are inextricably linked to the land and how we use it. Working from an understanding of landscape as the vast infrastructure upon which we depend for everything, landscape is the setting for all matters of environmental sustainability, impacting towns, cities, and countryside, communities and well-being, economics, governance, and politics. This paper explores the extent to which landscape and landscape design are considered in professional guidance pertaining to climate emergencies and environmental sustainability. Noting a tendency for such policy and guidance in the UK to cluster around the opposite poles of generalised targets and highly detailed technological solutions, this paper raises questions about what is missing from the middle of this spectrum. Our findings show that beyond carbon and biodiversity targets and the technological solutions to meet them, policy has been slow to respond to the climate emergency in relation to the landscape level. Furthermore, policy frameworks largely fail to account for the cultural and/or intangible factors affecting carbon and sustainability measures, such as the quality of space and well-being. This research suggests that guidance and policy relating to holistic, integrated understandings of landscapes are key to addressing the climate emergency, which also provides quality places and spaces for our communities and nature alike. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Related Special Issues

Published Papers (15 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI