Green spaces in urban areas and human health: Exploring the connections

Abstract

There is growing body of literature investigating the benefits of nature to human health. Current study aims to contribute to scientific research and explores the connections between green spaces and human health and well-being by investigating the mechanisms behind the salutogenic effect of green space. A literature search of academic literature was conducted according to inclusion criteria related to the health effects of green space. Narrative synthesis was implemented for the selected studies to identify: different definitions and characteristics of natural outdoor environment; green spaces health effects and mechanisms behind; indicators and cofounders used to determine those connections; methods used and evidence level of source studies. Based on results cognitive map of green spaces health effects and beneficial mechanisms is presented. Practical knowledge is tested by case studies: by participant observation during work conference GEZONDRONDOM in the Netherlands and paralleled with WHO study tour summary report outcomes. Results indicate that the most commonly used green space descriptions are: Green space, park, forest, natural environment, green area and beach. Narrative syntheses based on evidence derived from selected literature, showed that the most common health effects of green spaces are: Stress mitigation, Increase of physical activity, Restorative experiences, Attention fatigue amelioration and Mental health improvement. The most common mechanisms to achieve those salutogenic benefits are: Exposure to nature and closer contact with nature, Positive perception of the area, Thermal comfort, Physical activity stimulation and Improving environmental health. Case study showed that benefits of green space to human health are well known in the Netherlands and there are various methods and tools to receive extra knowledge and practical examples. The biggest challenge is to integrate that knowledge into everyday planning practice. Therefore current study could add the knowledge and offer an overview of the mechanism behind the health effects of green space, which could be integrated into everyday urban planning methods.