Urban blue spaces as therapeutic landscapes: “a slice of nature in the city”

Smith, N., Foley, R., Georgiou, M. , Tieges, Z. and Chastin, S. (2022) Urban blue spaces as therapeutic landscapes: “a slice of nature in the city”. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(22), 15018. (doi: 10.3390/ijerph192215018) (PMID:36429735) (PMCID:PMC9690541)

Abstract

Urban blue spaces are defined as all natural and manmade surface water in urban environments. This paper draws on how the concepts of experienced, symbolic, social, and activity space combine to position urban blue spaces as therapeutic landscapes. We conducted 203 intercept interviews between 12 October 2019 and 10 November 2019. Although safety concerns had health-limiting impacts, interacting with the Glasgow Canal and surrounding landscape was predominantly perceived as health-enhancing. Our findings build on current evidence, which has suggested that urban blue spaces, particularly canals, may foster therapeutic properties, contributing to healthier city environments. Further research is required to understand better the interconnectedness of urban blue spaces and health and how such spaces can be best developed and managed to improve the health outcomes of local populations.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Georgiou, Mr Michail

Creator Roles

Georgiou, M.: Writing – review and editing, Visualization

• Authors: Smith, N., Foley, R., Georgiou, M., Tieges, Z., and Chastin, S.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• Journal Name: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 1661-7827
• ISSN (Online): 1660-4601
• Published Online: 15 November 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 by the authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(22):15018
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license