Green Space Planning, Design and Governance for Enhanced Human Wellbeing

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Contexts and Urban-Rural Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2023) | Viewed by 40173

Special Issue Editors

College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Peking University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: landscape architecture; sustainable planning; and design; ecosystem services
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Institute of Geography, Humboldt University of Berlin, 12489 Berlin, Germany
Interests: urbanization and socio-ecological complexities; ecosystem services and spatial analysis; political ecology and nature-based solutions; environmental cognition and landscape perception; social wellbeing and urban sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: ecological practice and ecological wisdom of cultural landscape; cultural services and performance evaluation of landscape; landscape planning, urban design and landscape design based on nature-based solution
College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
Interests: urban design; human-centred cities; inclusive city; public spaces; smart cities; pedestrian simulation modelling
College of Architecture, The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma, OK 73019, USA
Interests: microclimatic landscape design and human health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Green spaces have long been confirmed to be the essential components of urban lands that can provide multiple services for human wellbeing. Many studies aim to understand which measures are impactful to optimize human wellbeing outcomes in green spaces. However, most existing studies focus on the specific characteristics of green spaces that are beneficial. To what extent active human interventions can transform green spaces for enhanced human wellbeing have not been well synthesized. This special issue aims to solicit relevant studies in demonstrating the role of landscape planning, design, and governance for enhanced human wellbeing.

To draw inspiration from a wide variety of disciplines, this special issue broadly defines green spaces and human wellbeing. Green spaces can be different parks, forests, natural reserves, agricultural landscapes, etc. human wellbeing can cover basic materials for living well, physical and mental health, security, as well as good social relations. The highlighted requirement of this special issue is action-based research, which means that the included papers should have clear action implications for planning, design or governance of green spaces. A paper that focuses on one or more of the following topics is welcome to consider our special issue:

  • In-depth analytics that can identify existing challenges between green spaces and human wellbeing with clear implications for future actions;
  • Innovative planning, design and/or governance strategies that can enhance certain aspects of human wellbeing;
  • Solid performance assessment of ongoing planning, design and/or governances strategies concerning human wellbeing;
  • Thorough review or perspective of varied governance strategies or policies that have been proposed in one or different countries for enhanced human wellbeing.

Dr. Zhifang Wang
Dr. Salman Qureshi
Prof. Dr. Guangsi Lin
Dr. Mohammed Almahood
Prof. Dr. Wenwen Cheng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Health
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Ecosystem Services
  • Landscape Governance
  • Landscape Planning
  • Evidence-Based Landscape Practice
  • Action-Oriented Research
  • Human Wellbeing

Published Papers (18 papers)

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15 pages, 4533 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Urban Park Accessibility Based on Space Syntax: Take the Urban Area of Changsha City as an Example
by Yuehong Long, Jianxin Qin, Yang Wu and Ke Wang
Land 2023, 12(5), 1061; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051061 - 12 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2245
Abstract
Park green space is an important part of the green infrastructure in a city, and urban park space accessibility is an important indicator for measuring the city’s comprehensive strength, living environment, and resident happiness, which greatly affects the sustainable development and construction of [...] Read more.
Park green space is an important part of the green infrastructure in a city, and urban park space accessibility is an important indicator for measuring the city’s comprehensive strength, living environment, and resident happiness, which greatly affects the sustainable development and construction of the city. The spatial syntax method can discuss the accessibility of urban parks from the perspective of topology, which inherits the objective stability of the topological relationship. There are few research studies on the accessibility of urban parks. Therefore, with the support of space syntax theory and the spatial statistics method, this paper combined the data of park green space and road network to complete the accessibility evaluation of urban parks in the Changsha City urban area. This paper evaluates the accessibility of urban parks in the study area from four aspects, namely global accessibility, perceptual accessibility, local accessibility, and psychological accessibility, by using five quantitative indexes of space syntax, namely connectivity, depth, integration, selection, and synergy. The conclusions are as follows: The spatial layout area of the park is roughly consistent with the areas that have good global and local accessibility of the road network, and the global accessibility and local accessibility of the park in the study area are relatively high. The global spatial structure can be better perceived by the local space at a radius scale greater than or equal to 3000 m, and the perceptual accessibility of the park is high. Most of the urban parks in the Changsha urban area are located in sections with high space efficiency. The park space penetration is good, and nearly 70% of the parks have high psychological accessibility. Based on the overall spatial layout of urban parks, the space syntax method quantitatively and comprehensively evaluates the accessibility of urban parks from the perspective of topology. The conclusion is reliable and has important application value in the evaluation of park accessibility. It can be used as an important supplement to improve the evaluation model of accessibility. Full article
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30 pages, 24215 KiB  
Article
The Residual Spaces of Developmental Urbanism as Opportunity for Green Cities and Improvement of Human Wellbeing
by Itxaro Latasa and Angela Laurenz
Land 2023, 12(4), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040764 - 28 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1879
Abstract
City densification and greening are two priority urban-policy objectives, for the coming years, aimed at making cities more resilient to climate change, slowing the spread of urbanization and improving the quality of life in cities. These are sometimes contradictory objectives that require fine [...] Read more.
City densification and greening are two priority urban-policy objectives, for the coming years, aimed at making cities more resilient to climate change, slowing the spread of urbanization and improving the quality of life in cities. These are sometimes contradictory objectives that require fine and deep analysis to create approaches and methods that combine them. The most recent research has presented so-called small urban green spaces (SUGSs) as a viable alternative to achieve this double objective. This was the starting point of this research, which used GIS digital analysis and microscale fieldwork to study the possibilities of greening an excessively dense and low-quality urban space in the city of Pamplona (Spain). The results thereof showed that the urban structure of this neighbourhood contains a large number of small spaces with no specific use or function—residual, surface and vertical spaces—and that are simply undefined remnants between buildings and streets, or party walls that were never built. Only these surface spaces occupy a total area that is twice the size of the existing green spaces. Based on these results, this work explores the possibility of increasing the green areas of the neighbourhood through new SUGSs and the creation of a green corridor that increases environmental and social connectivity and the quality of life in the studied space. Full article
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15 pages, 2621 KiB  
Article
Zoning for Spatial Conservation and Restoration Based on Ecosystem Services in Highly Urbanized Region: A Case Study in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, China
by Wen Zhou, Yantao Xi, Liang Zhai, Cheng Li, Jingyang Li and Wei Hou
Land 2023, 12(4), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040733 - 24 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1528
Abstract
Ecosystem services are highly affected by human activities, especially in the fast-urbanizing regions. It is important that the regional development or urbanization strategy be implemented by maintaining or protecting the long-term provision ability of multiple ecosystem services. The spatial pattern of ecosystem services [...] Read more.
Ecosystem services are highly affected by human activities, especially in the fast-urbanizing regions. It is important that the regional development or urbanization strategy be implemented by maintaining or protecting the long-term provision ability of multiple ecosystem services. The spatial pattern of ecosystem services and zoning for spatial conservation and restoration are the preconditions of sustainable development. With the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region as the research area, an approach for spatial zoning was proposed on the basis of the modeling results of key ecosystem services (water retention, soil retention, heat mitigation, and carbon storage). Our results show that the hot spots of ecosystem services are mainly in the north and the west at high altitudes and with large vegetation coverage, while the cold spots are mainly in the plain area of the southeast in the BTH region. In addition, the whole region is divided into five ecological zones: the ecological restoration zone, ecological transition zone, coastal ecological protection zone, soil and water retention zone, and ecological security shelter. Each zone has applied different strategies for ecological restoration and conservation. The results represent the spatial heterogeneity and major functions in different zones, and they can provide planning guidance for supporting the coordinated development of the BTH region. Full article
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18 pages, 2736 KiB  
Article
Measures of Greenspace Exposure and Their Association to Health-Related Outcomes for the Periods before and during the 2020 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study in the West of England
by Ahmed Tarek Zaky Fouad, Danielle Sinnett, Isabelle Bray, Rachael McClatchey and Rebecca Reece
Land 2023, 12(4), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040728 - 23 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1609
Abstract
Greenspaces are argued to be one of the important features in the urban environment that impact the health of the population. Previous research suggested either positive, negative, or no associations between greenspaces and health-related outcomes. This paper takes a step backward to, first, [...] Read more.
Greenspaces are argued to be one of the important features in the urban environment that impact the health of the population. Previous research suggested either positive, negative, or no associations between greenspaces and health-related outcomes. This paper takes a step backward to, first, explore different quantitative spatial measures of evaluating greenspace exposure, before attempting to investigate the relationship between those measures and health-related outcomes. The study uses self-reported health data from an online cross-sectional survey conducted for residents in the West of England. This yielded data of greenspace use, physical activity, wellbeing (ICECAP-A score), and connectedness to nature for 617 participants, divided into two sets: health outcomes for the period before versus during the 2020 lockdown. The study uses the participants’ postcodes (provided in the survey) to calculate eleven spatial measures of greenspace exposure using the software ArcGIS Pro 2.9.5. A total of 88 multivariate regression models were run while controlling for eleven confounders of the participants’ characteristics. Results inferred 57 significant associations such that six spatial measures of greenspace exposure (NDVI R200m, NDVI R300m, NDVI R500m, Network Distance to nearest greenspace access, Euclidean Distance to nearest greenspace access, and Euclidean Distance to nearest 0.5 ha doorstep greenspace access) have significant association to at least one of the four health-related outcomes, suggesting a positive impact on population health when living in greener areas or being closer to greenspaces. Moreover, there are further significant associations between the frequency of use of greenspaces and increasing physical activity or feeling more connected to nature. Still, the residents’ patterns of using greenspaces significantly changed during versus before lockdown and has impacted the relationships between health outcomes and the greenspace exposure measures. Full article
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19 pages, 2023 KiB  
Article
Residents’ Satisfaction with Green Spaces and Daily Life in Small Urban Settings: Romanian Perspectives
by Mariana Cernicova-Buca, Vasile Gherheș and Ciprian Obrad
Land 2023, 12(3), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12030689 - 15 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2039
Abstract
The availability and accessibility of green spaces in urban settings are important factors in determining the sustainability of cities and the quality of urban life. However, the literature indicates a need for evidence-based data correlating green areas and perceived well-being in the city. [...] Read more.
The availability and accessibility of green spaces in urban settings are important factors in determining the sustainability of cities and the quality of urban life. However, the literature indicates a need for evidence-based data correlating green areas and perceived well-being in the city. This study focuses on a vignette study of the satisfaction with green spaces in a Romanian small urban setting that meets the standards of green space availability and accessibility proposed by the World Health Organization. The data obtained by applying a questionnaire to a sample of 600 residents highlight the appreciation of the local people for the characteristics, functions, and availability of urban green spaces. The study establishes statistically significant correlations between the general satisfaction with life and the distance in meters to the nearest park, between the general satisfaction with life and the distance in time to the nearest park, and between the distance in meters and the time spent in parks and green spaces. The results can be used to establish a participatory agenda for local authorities interested in gaining insight from residents for the future actions needed to develop green spaces and to provide them with the opportunity to reflect upon the correlations between outdoor activities in such spaces and people’s well-being in urban settings. Full article
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22 pages, 5566 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Ecosystem Services Driven by Human Modification over the Past Seven Decades: A Case Study of Sihu Agricultural Watershed, China
by Haowen Lin and Hong Yun
Land 2023, 12(3), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12030577 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1248
Abstract
Understanding the effects of human modification on ecosystem services is critical for effectively managing multiple services and achieving long-term sustainability. The historical dynamics of ecosystem services are important for detecting the impacts before and after intensive modification and deserve further study. To this [...] Read more.
Understanding the effects of human modification on ecosystem services is critical for effectively managing multiple services and achieving long-term sustainability. The historical dynamics of ecosystem services are important for detecting the impacts before and after intensive modification and deserve further study. To this end, we quantified the spatiotemporal dynamics of 11 ecosystem services across the Sihu agricultural watershed in 1954, 1983, 2001, and 2018. We used the Spearman coefficient, self-organized maps clustering, and redundancy analysis to explore the spatial patterns and potential modification drivers of temporal variations of ecosystem service provision. The results revealed the following: (1) The spatial correlations among ecosystem services in a single year were inconsistent with the ecosystem service change associations during two-time steps. The snapshot correlations at one time led to misunderstandings (such as water yield and runoff control or soil carbon sequestration, and habitat quality changed direction from synergy to trade-off) and missed synergies (such as water purification and recreational potential); (2) Most ecosystem services could be synergetic in one bundle with multifunctionality before intensive modification, but later transformed to single or limited services dominated bundles, especially in lake-polder areas; (3) Lake reclamation and hydraulic infrastructure were the most significant modification indicators explaining the variation of ecosystem services (30.9% of variance explained by lake reclamation in 1954, 38.2% of variance explained by hydraulic infrastructure in 2018). Meanwhile, changes in dominant drivers also indicated the transition from lake-based ecosystem service supply to engineered service. An improved understanding of the spatiotemporal pattern of ecosystem services and the underlying human modification influence is vital for realizing the sustainability and multifunctionality of agricultural watershed. Full article
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18 pages, 1804 KiB  
Article
Compensating for Loss of Nature and Landscape in a Growing City—Berlin Case Study
by Gösta F. M. Baganz and Daniela Baganz
Land 2023, 12(3), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12030567 - 26 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1181
Abstract
By 2030, around 194,000 new dwellings will be built in Berlin, including almost 52,000 in 16 new urban districts. These and other interventions will impact the city’s nature and landscape. An important means of compensating for these losses is a land-use planning eco-account [...] Read more.
By 2030, around 194,000 new dwellings will be built in Berlin, including almost 52,000 in 16 new urban districts. These and other interventions will impact the city’s nature and landscape. An important means of compensating for these losses is a land-use planning eco-account adapted to Berlin’s needs. It relies on a whole-city compensation concept consisting of three pillars: flagship projects, thematic programmes, and the integrated enhancement of existing land uses. Impacts can be offset in advance via the eco-account. The institutional and legal backgrounds, as well as the allocation of compensations to interventions and the principle of the loss–gain calculation using value points, are presented. Housing construction and its preponed compensation trigger land-use changes. Critical factors affecting this process were identified and categorised as population development, housing requirement, resulting intervention, land-use change, and preponed compensation. A modified causal loop diagram was created to visualise the interdependencies and link the polarities of the derived key variables. The challenges of compensation without a net loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as solutions for avoiding impacts to achieve the goal of no net land take, are discussed. The compensatory approach presented here could be transferred to other growing cities. Full article
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21 pages, 11108 KiB  
Article
Quantifying and Comparing the Cooling Effects of Three Different Morphologies of Urban Parks in Chengdu
by Xiaojing Feng, Jiahao Yu, Chuliang Xin, Tianhao Ye, Tian’ao Wang, Honglin Chen, Xuemei Zhang and Lili Zhang
Land 2023, 12(2), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12020451 - 10 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2014
Abstract
Urban parks have significant cooling effects, which can both mitigate the urban heat is-land effect and are crucial to the sustainable development of the human habitat. Although studies have been conducted to explore the influence of urban park morphology on the cooling effect [...] Read more.
Urban parks have significant cooling effects, which can both mitigate the urban heat is-land effect and are crucial to the sustainable development of the human habitat. Although studies have been conducted to explore the influence of urban park morphology on the cooling effect of parks, they are not sufficiently in depth. Therefore, this paper took 117 urban parks in the central city of Chengdu as the research objects based on the perspective of the quantitative classification of urban park morphology. Then, remote sensing interpretation, spatial statistics, and regression analysis were used, and the four indicators of cooling intensity, cooling distance, cooling area, and cooling efficiency of urban parks were integrated to explore the cooling effect of the different morphological types of urban parks. The results show that (1) urban parks in Chengdu could be divided into five categories, among which the cooling effect of round parks was the best, and the cooling efficiency was 0.7. (2) In terms of park cooling area, urban parks’ area and perimeter thresholds were 30 ha and 4000 m, respectively. (3) When the area and perimeter of urban parks reached 70 ha and 3000 m, respectively, the increase in the cooling distance slowed down. (4) The cooling efficiency of the park was best when the shape index (indicating the complexity of the park boundaries) of the urban park was 2.8. The results of the study provide theoretical support for the intensive use of urban park green space and help the construction and promotion of a beautiful and livable park city in Chengdu. Full article
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14 pages, 1389 KiB  
Article
Comparing the Urban Floods Resistance of Common Tree Species in Winter City Parks
by Chang Zhai, Zhonghui Zhang, Guangdao Bao, Dan Zhang, Ting Liu, Jiaqi Chen, Mingming Ding, Ruoxuan Geng and Ning Fang
Land 2022, 11(12), 2247; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122247 - 09 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1177
Abstract
The rapid urbanization process and high-intensity construction mode have greatly changed the underlying surface structure and spatial distribution of the natural land surface, further amplified the possibility of urban floods, and made urban security face more serious threats. Urban forest could help to [...] Read more.
The rapid urbanization process and high-intensity construction mode have greatly changed the underlying surface structure and spatial distribution of the natural land surface, further amplified the possibility of urban floods, and made urban security face more serious threats. Urban forest could help to mitigate urban floods through water holding and interception by its unique structures, especially the litter layer. This paper compared the ability of different forest tree species on urban floods mitigation, through analyzing their litter accumulation, litter water holding characteristics, and water interception features of different decomposed layers. The results concluded that Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. (QM) forest, Betula platyphylla Sukaczev (BP) forest, Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen. (LG) forest, and Picea koraiensis Nakai (PK) forest were the best choices for improving urban floods resistance in a high-urbanization winter city, for they had larger litter mass and higher maximum water holding and interception capacity. The corresponding results of this study could help environmental management departments worldwide in the selection of tree species in urban greening projects focusing on urban flood control. Full article
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20 pages, 4424 KiB  
Article
Residents’ Preference for Urban Green Space Types and Their Ecological-Social Services in China
by Wudong Zhao, Liwei Zhang, Xupu Li, Lixian Peng, Pengtao Wang, Zhuangzhuang Wang, Lei Jiao and Hao Wang
Land 2022, 11(12), 2239; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122239 - 08 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2392
Abstract
With accelerated urbanization and rapid expansion of the urban population, there is an increasing demand among urban residents for urban green spaces (UGS) and the ecosystem services (ES) they provide. The existing research mostly focuses on the spatial pattern of UGS types and [...] Read more.
With accelerated urbanization and rapid expansion of the urban population, there is an increasing demand among urban residents for urban green spaces (UGS) and the ecosystem services (ES) they provide. The existing research mostly focuses on the spatial pattern of UGS types and ES provided by different UGS but ignores that residents’ preferences for UGS types and their ecological and social services should also be incorporated into the spatial planning decision-making of UGS. A web-based questionnaire was distributed randomly in urban areas of China and 1050 valid samples were collected in this study. Descriptive statistical analysis methods, structural equation modeling, and Pearson correlation were used to parse the residents’ preference for both UGS types, ecological–social services, and the relevant impact factors. The results showed that: (1) the strongest preference of residents for UGS and their ecological and social services are the attached green space, “beautifying the city”, and “physical and mental relaxation”, respectively; (2) the leading factors for residents’ access to UGS are “age” and “sufficient time”, except for attached green space. The most significant effect on both ecological and social services is the “season” factor. Further, “social gathering” and “exercise” are the services most and least likely to be affected. (3) Future planning of UGS should reinforce construction of attached green space and improve the aesthetics-related ES they provide. Construction of park green space and plaza green space should be enhanced to deal with the aging trend in society. Further, maintaining the existing construction of attached green space and building regional green space are crucial to the sustainability of UGS and its ecological–social services. Full article
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27 pages, 7585 KiB  
Article
Green Belt Implementation in Arid Lands through Soil Reconditioning and Landscape Design: The Case of Hermosillo, Mexico
by Adriana A. Zuniga-Teran, Blanca González-Méndez, Christina Scarpitti, Bo Yang, Joaquin Murrieta Saldivar, Irene Pineda, Guadalupe Peñúñuri, Eduardo Hinojosa Robles, Kassandra Soto Irineo, Sergio Müller and Javier Valencia-Sauceda
Land 2022, 11(12), 2130; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122130 - 26 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2575
Abstract
Green belts are an urban planning approach meant to address urban sprawl and enhance resilience. Many Latin American cities located in arid lands would benefit from the green belt; however, little is known about the factors that determine green belt implementation in these [...] Read more.
Green belts are an urban planning approach meant to address urban sprawl and enhance resilience. Many Latin American cities located in arid lands would benefit from the green belt; however, little is known about the factors that determine green belt implementation in these regions. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by examining the case of Hermosillo, Mexico, a rapidly growing city located in a desert environment with an envisioned green belt. A cross-disciplinary team worked with city officials and NGOs to implement a portion of the green belt by identifying suitable soils to locate and design a park within strategic segments of the green belt. However, rapid urbanization and the urgent need for recreational spaces led to the destruction of the landscape. A reflection on lessons learned stress the need for engagement with local communities and real estate developers to integrate social needs and market forces into the planning process for effective green belt implementation. Recommendations include a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, with efforts centered around housing development that provides the needed infrastructure and public space and is fully integrated to the rest of the city. For cities in arid lands, it becomes critical to adopt soft-path approaches for water resources management, assessment of soil conditions, and reconditioning of poor or polluted soils. To maintain the ecological functions of the protected land, efforts must be accompanied by policies that support the vision for the green belt, means to regulate gentrification, and resources allocated for enforcement. Full article
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18 pages, 4470 KiB  
Article
Urban Agglomeration Ecological Welfare Performance and Spatial Convergence Research in the Yellow River Basin
by Ningyi Liu and Yongyu Wang
Land 2022, 11(11), 2073; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11112073 - 17 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1329
Abstract
As human society is entering an era of scarce natural resources, realizing the welfare level of human society is a fundamental requirement to improve sustainable development, while being restrained by the ecological environment. In this paper, we divided ecological welfare performance (EWP) into [...] Read more.
As human society is entering an era of scarce natural resources, realizing the welfare level of human society is a fundamental requirement to improve sustainable development, while being restrained by the ecological environment. In this paper, we divided ecological welfare performance (EWP) into an ecological economic system and an economic welfare system from the perspective of ecological welfare, and predicted the EWP in the Yellow River Basin Urban Agglomerations (YRBUAs) using the US-NSBM model in two stages. We further explored the dynamic change trend and spatial convergence characteristics in the YRBUAs using the Dagum Gini coefficient, the kernel density estimation method, and the spatial convergence models. The results indicate that there are great spatial variations in EWP in the YRBUAs, where the spatial variation in the downstream is higher than that in the upstream, and the spatial distribution pattern in large- and medium-sized cities is higher than that in small cities. The DEA efficiency could not be realized overall throughout the study period, but it shows an improving trend. At the same time, absolute β convergence and conditional β convergence were observed in the YRBUAs, both overall and between the UAs. This paper provides a basis for analyzing the spatial pattern of EWP and for promoting the coordinated development of urban agglomerations in the YRBUAs, thus serving as a reference for the sustainable development of ecologically sensitive regions in countries across the world. Full article
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16 pages, 5645 KiB  
Article
Combining Stormwater Management and Park Services to Mitigate Climate Change and Improve Human Well-Being: A Case Study of Sponge City Parks in Shanghai
by Peihao Tong, Hongxi Yin, Zhifang Wang and Ian Trivers
Land 2022, 11(9), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11091589 - 16 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2182
Abstract
Due to climate change and rapid urbanization, contemporary cities face the dual challenges of providing sufficient stormwater management and adequate park services, which potentially conflict over limited space and resources. To solve these problems, cities are increasingly combining stormwater infrastructure with park space [...] Read more.
Due to climate change and rapid urbanization, contemporary cities face the dual challenges of providing sufficient stormwater management and adequate park services, which potentially conflict over limited space and resources. To solve these problems, cities are increasingly combining stormwater infrastructure with park space in ways that create new efficiencies. To date, most research has focused on the stormwater management performance aspect of these combinations and not the techniques employed to achieve the combined goals. To fill this gap, 23 sponge city parks in Shanghai were investigated to examine the combination of stormwater and park services. Our findings show that stormwater techniques were primarily combined with the park facilities of water areas, paved open spaces, and pathways. Additionally, we found that larger parks employed a wider range of techniques for managing stormwater runoff and supported broader sets of park activities, while those at smaller scales prioritized infiltration, detention, and purification measures, as well as concentrated on social and economic activities. This study is the first to explore SPC parks that integrate stormwater management and park services, thereby providing implications for SPC development in China and insights into the ways that the two properties can be combined in other cities. Full article
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19 pages, 4173 KiB  
Article
Effect of Urban Green Space in the Hilly Environment on Physical Activity and Health Outcomes: Mediation Analysis on Multiple Greenery Measures
by Peijin Sun, Yan Song and Wei Lu
Land 2022, 11(5), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11050612 - 21 Apr 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2513
Abstract
Background: Green spaces reduce the risk of multiple adverse health outcomes by encouraging physical activity. This study examined correlations between urban green space and residents’ health outcomes in hilly neighborhoods: if they are mediated by social cohesion, visual aesthetics, and safety. Methods: We [...] Read more.
Background: Green spaces reduce the risk of multiple adverse health outcomes by encouraging physical activity. This study examined correlations between urban green space and residents’ health outcomes in hilly neighborhoods: if they are mediated by social cohesion, visual aesthetics, and safety. Methods: We used multiple green space indicators, including normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) extracted from satellite imagery, green view index (GVI) obtained from street view data using deep learning methods, park availability, and perceived level of greenery. Hilly terrain was assessed by the standard deviation of the elevation to represent variations in slope. Resident health outcomes were quantified by their psychological and physiological health as well as physical activity. Communities were grouped by quartiles of slopes. Then a mediation model was applied, controlling for socio-demographic factors. Results: Residents who perceived higher quality greenery experienced stronger social cohesion, spent more time on physical activity and had better mental health outcomes. The objective greenery indicators were not always associated with physical activity and might have a negative influence with certain terrain. Conclusions: Perceived green space offers an alternative explanation of the effects on physical activity and mental health in hilly neighborhoods. In some circumstances, geographical environment features should be accounted for to determine the association of green space and resident health outcomes. Full article
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18 pages, 8583 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Neighborhood Green-Space Quality Using a Building Blue–Green Index (BBGI) in Nanjing, China
by Zhiming Li, Xiyang Chen, Zhou Shen and Zhengxi Fan
Land 2022, 11(3), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11030445 - 20 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4149
Abstract
High-quality urban green space (UGS) is an integral part of a livable city. The scientific evaluation of UGS has great value for improving the quality and efficiency of green spaces. In this study, we integrated the water and walking networks into the existing [...] Read more.
High-quality urban green space (UGS) is an integral part of a livable city. The scientific evaluation of UGS has great value for improving the quality and efficiency of green spaces. In this study, we integrated the water and walking networks into the existing green index model and proposed a new green index: the building blue–green index (BBGI). Using this method, we analyzed the quality of green spaces within 300 m of 2138 buildings located in 13 communities in the Mochou Lake subdistrict in Nanjing, China. The results revealed that the green-space quality of high-rise, low-density buildings was greater than that of low-rise, high-density buildings. In addition, buildings close to water had higher green-space quality, while impervious surfaces reduced green-space quality. Furthermore, the connectivity and orientation of the road network indicated that even if a community was close to large parks and water bodies, there would still be lower green-space quality. This study’s findings highlight the usefulness of evaluation methods for green-space quality that combine blue and green spaces. We also propose feasible measures for improving neighborhood green-space planning and land management. Full article
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Review

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31 pages, 3767 KiB  
Review
Exploring Associations between Subjective Well-Being and Non-Market Values When Used in the Evaluation of Urban Green Spaces: A Scoping Review
by Elli Papastergiou, Dionysis Latinopoulos, Myrto Evdou and Athanasios Kalogeresis
Land 2023, 12(3), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12030700 - 17 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2932
Abstract
Proximity and access to urban green spaces (UGSs) provide city dwellers with multiple benefits related to health and well-being. Understanding what (and how) characteristics of these spaces affect individuals’ perceived preferences and sense of well-being (subjective well-being) could be critical for relevant future [...] Read more.
Proximity and access to urban green spaces (UGSs) provide city dwellers with multiple benefits related to health and well-being. Understanding what (and how) characteristics of these spaces affect individuals’ perceived preferences and sense of well-being (subjective well-being) could be critical for relevant future planning interventions, policy design, and investments in green spaces. This scoping review aims to summarize, synthesize, and compare previous research findings about the application of (stated) preference-based methods, using non-market valuation techniques (e.g., willingness-to-pay methods), and non-preference-based measures of well-being (e.g., subjective well-being) to evaluate UGSs. By comparing these two methodologies, we aim to explore the differences and similarities among the determinants of benefits associated with UGS design and planning. We also seek to identify the most commonly used research approaches for measuring and/or projecting the impact of (new or rejuvenated) UGSs on people’s welfare and well-being. The review focuses on peer-reviewed empirical scientific work published during the period from 2010 to 2022. Full article
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18 pages, 758 KiB  
Review
Systematic Review: Landscape Characteristics Correlated with Physical Activity of the Elderly People
by Dan Li, Haiyun Xu, Yue Kang and Koen Steemers
Land 2023, 12(3), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12030605 - 03 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1895
Abstract
(1) Background: Green and open spaces are conducive to physical activity for the elderly. However, it is unclear how different landscape characteristics relate to the physical activity of the elderly. (2) Methods: following the PRISMA method, this study reviewed the existing literature on [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Green and open spaces are conducive to physical activity for the elderly. However, it is unclear how different landscape characteristics relate to the physical activity of the elderly. (2) Methods: following the PRISMA method, this study reviewed the existing literature on the landscape characteristics correlated with the elderly’s physical activity (PA) from Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. We conducted a systematic full-text review of 25 eligible reports and studies related to the linkage between the characteristics of green and open spaces and the elderly’s physical activity (PA); (3) Results: Nature/greenery, safety, road/path conditions, aesthetics, PA facilities, accessibility, amenity, water, and elderly accessibility facilities were found to be positively associated with elderly’s PA. Pavement conditions (gravel), the presence of water, poor maintenance, neighborhood aesthetics, and GVI are negatively correlated with the elderly’s PA; (4) Conclusions: We close the paper by making a few recommendations for future policy-making, practice, and research. It is suggested that the landscape characteristics be applied in evidence-based policy-making and design, and in tackling health inequality. Future research should be more specific about the impact of site-scale factors, include landscape characteristics specifically needed by the elderly to conduct PA, and involve a wider scope of green and open space on top of neighborhood green and open space and parks. Additionally, these studies should take into consideration different cultural settings and geographical scales to reveal the different effects of various aspects of green and open space. Full article
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16 pages, 2037 KiB  
Review
Transforming Research on Recreational Ecosystem Services into Applications and Governance
by Zhifang Wang, Yuqing Jian, Zhibin Huang, Salman Qureshi, Kexin Cheng, Zhuhui Bai and Qingwen Zhang
Land 2023, 12(2), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12020509 - 19 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1858
Abstract
The science-practice gap has recently been discussed as a critical challenge restricting sustainable growth and development in all facets of our society, including explorations of Recreation Ecosystem Services (RES). To better explore how well the scientific study of RES and its application are [...] Read more.
The science-practice gap has recently been discussed as a critical challenge restricting sustainable growth and development in all facets of our society, including explorations of Recreation Ecosystem Services (RES). To better explore how well the scientific study of RES and its application are connected, this paper aims to synthesize empirical evidence based on an in-depth and systematic literature review. We found that studies of RES have not effectively transformed into the decision-making and long-term planning of our cities. From 2005 to 2020, only 13% of studies referred to specific applications, and about 40% of papers mentioned no applications or practical implications for their research. However, RES research has many potential applications, which can be categorised into six main aspects. In terms of non-spatial improvement: Improved monetary benefits (40%), non-monetary benefits (30%); in terms of spatial improvement: space with high recreational potential or degradation (7%), the relation between supply and demand (7%); and Cross-service governance (16%). After combining the results of various studies, we developed a framework starting from applicable problems and their solutions, which can incorporate the outcomes of RES research while systematically narrowing down the research questions and methods. The framework offers a starting point for further research that can modify and improve in bridging science-practice gaps in RES studies. Full article
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