A landscape analysis : Investigating restorative features within urban greening

Abstract: Today people are described as an integral component of urban green infrastructure which advocates to study human engagement within the use of nature to develop goals and landscape planning in the purpose of achieving better life conditions for city inhabitants. The connectedness to nature has been described as decisive when exploring possible human psychological restoration derived from nature. Although, a lack of existing research is found concerning any specific amounts or types of restorative features in nature that is preferred when accommodating different health benefits and to serve public health outcomes. This study is comparing restorative environmental qualities within an urban forest as well as an urban planting with the purpose of finding inspiration to future landscape design for urban areas that can support human health and wellbeing. This study was conducted in Jönköping, Sweden by implementing a triangulation of methods using a mood scale that investigated six different categories of mental states, a sensory walk conducted with an introspective approach, as well as applying Visual Landscape Assessment Tool (VLAT). The results showed to be in line with previous research and findings indicated that the urban forest encompassed higher restoration potential than the urban planting. The participant enhanced a happier state of mind within the forest setting in comparison to the urban planting and qualities such as water features and singing birds in the urban forest were argued to redirect focus from city noise and to promote psychological restoration. Limitations and further research are discussed.