Arch 522  

I   Seminar

Impacts of Urban Green Spaces on Health and Well-

Being in Post Covid Scenario

Fatin Kashf Nafi

1601027

                                                        
Department of Architecture
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
      Abstract ………………………………………………………………………03

1    Introduction ………………………………………………………………....03
      1.1  Aims and Objectives…………………………………………………...04
      1.2  Methodology………………………………………………………........05
      1.3  Possible Outcome……………………………………………………....06

2    Literature Review
      2.1  Experimental studies…………………………………………………… 06
      2.2  Observational Studies…………………………………………………. 08
      2.3  UN-Habitat key message on COVID-19 and public space
by  WHO…………………………………………………………………………10  

3    Case Study
      3.1  How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact urban green spaces 
              in Jeddah megacity ( Saudi Arabia )………………………………11
       3.2  Stress manifestation in Madrid in pre and post COVID era…….14

4    Discussion and findings ……………………………..............................18   

5    Conclusions………………………………………………………………….19

6    References……………………………………………………………………20

Abstract
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The pandemic of the COVID-19 disease has changed human lifestyle and the usage of green
space, especially in cities. So the pre- perception and the definition of well-being in urban cities
has been developed. This paper helps with summarizing the relation between urban green spaces
and well-being influenced by green zones. This relationships has various challenges through an
urban design perspective, considering pandemics’ involvement. Few important phenomenons are
mapped such as the UN-Habitat core message on COVID-19 and public spaces, The concept of
the 20 min minutes’ city, and the determinants of health and wellbeing in neighborhoods.
Moreover, relevant case studies which were chosen here helped to justify the need of urban green
spaces for physical and mental well-being.

Keywords : UGS (urban green space), Spatial healing, COVID 19, Well-being,  Quarantine

1  Introduction

We think that even though we overcame COVID-19 with the invention of vaccines and medical
care, this doesn’t mean that there will be no more continuous infectious diseases like COVID-19
that come up in the near future.

Various digital technology is altering our way of life and creating alternative lifestyle choices
that have gained traction during the lockdown have included increased usage of internet banking,
remote work (working from home), online classes, online shopping, online meeting, etc. The
“transition from an offline to a digital civilization” is right in front of us.
The Coronavirus underlined the importance of designing our cities with sustainable design
principles, such as encouraging people to walk, cycle, enjoy green spaces for mental healing and
enjoy open public spaces.
[El Khateeb, Samah, and Indjy M. Shawket. March 2022]

There is a broad concept that there are various sorts of urban public open spaces such as park,
lake, plazas. So, in this paper my scale of discussion includes only those green areas to which the
public has visible or physical access:

i. neighborhood parks,
ii. playgrounds, sport fields,
iii. recreational green areas.

Urban green spaces should be considered as social investment and a chance to rebalance our
relationship with nature to protect against future pandemics. By investing in urban public green
spaces, additional benefits (job/food creation, biodiversity promotion, carbon sequestration) may
coincide with health benefits.

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So, How urban neighborhood community spaces affect physical and mental well-being spatially
in the Post COVID scenario? What are the biological determinants which can be affected by
urban spaces? How quantitative datas from case study or survey can help to establish that urban
spaces can affect health and mental well being? these research questions are discussed in this
paper. 

[Geary RS, Wheeler B, et al, April2022]

 

1.1 Aims and Objectives

Aims of this research paper :

i. This research aims to explore the possible dimensions of urban green spaces design
aiming the context of post covid scenario.
ii.  Evaluate the spatial effect of urban neighborhood community spaces on physical well-
being  and mental health.

Objectives of this research paper are :

i. Finding out the causes of  degradation of physical well-being and mental health during a
pandemic and what are consequences of this degradation in the post-COVID scenario.
ii. How impacts of urban green spaces can mitigate the physical and mental degradation
such as trauma, stress, frustration, fatigue ness, obesity etc.

1.2   Methodology

4
          Fig 1. Research Methodology

1.3  Possible outcome

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Naturally, the trend in healthy design will be accompanied by increased demand for green areas,
where many studies dealt with the importance of visual access to nature, which would enhance
the physical and psychological health of individuals. Designers may need to create more spaces
and practices for individual use in planning green areas such as expanding running tracks, and
paying attention to small neighborhood parks. As, one of the new solutions that allow individuals
to enjoy public parks doing what are called social distance circles. This is what has already been
done in many parks such as Brooklyn Park, New York's Domino Park, and San Francisco's
Dolores Park. [Ang, P, et al. 2022]

So, the integration of green infrastructure and open breathing spaces for city dwellers can
provide public health benefits. This system is more useful than scattered parks, and it mean
having network of different scales and uses parks through which residents can move easier and
connect to nature.

2  Literature Review

There is  clear evidence of urban spaces on people’s health and well-being , from ancient Times
to the present day. A Series of theories have been discussed In order to explain the relationship
between urban spaces and health.
Experimental and observational studies on nature exposure and health are found In this literature.
Such as, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity and sleep can be
influenced by urban spaces or landscapes. 
[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]

2.1  Experimental studies

In experimental studies, this literature refers to a substantial body of research on natural
environment interventions to evaluate the effects of nature on health from an experimental
approach. The interventions consisted of physical engagement in the natural environment (e.g.,
walking, running, or other activities), mental engagement (e.g., resting outside or living with a
view), or virtual exposure (e.g., watching videos or viewing images of nature. The majority of
experimental studies assessed mental health with neurologic outcomes.
[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]
[Depledge, M.H., et al. 2011]

2.1.1  Stress
      Exposure to nature or outdoor environments may reduce the negative effects of stress . A
recent meta-analysis found evidence suggesting that exposure to natural environments may
reduce cortisol levels, one of the most frequently studied biological markers of stress.

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There was overwhelming evidence that cortisol levels decreased when participants were exposed
to a natural environment. In numerous studies, salivary cortisol levels decreased after mild to
moderate exercise in a natural environment compared with an urban environment.
[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]
[Kondo, M.C., et al. 2018]

2.1.2  Affective State/ Mood

        A study randomly assigned 60 adults to a 50-min walk in either a natural or an urban
environment in Palo Alto, California, and found that compared to urban experience, nature
experience led to affective benefits (decreased anxiety, rumination, and negative affect, and
preservation of positive affect) as well as cognitive benefits (increased working memory
performance). 
In a study investigating forest walking, researchers found that time spent in forests was
associated with a reduction in of hostility, depression, and anxiety among adults with chronic
stress.
[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]
[ Oh, B., et al. 2021]

2.1.3  Anxiety and depressive mood

      Connection with natural environments has been linked with reduction in anxiety and
depressive mood . Nature-based health interventions (NBI) researches this matter and refers to
engaging people in nature-based experiences with the goal of improving health and wellness
outcomes . 
One study evaluated a wetland NBI in Gloucestershire, UK, found that the wetland site provided
a sense of escape from participants’ everyday environments, facilitating relaxation and
reductions in stress.
[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]
[Maund, P.R., et al . 2019]

2.1.4  Brain Activity

        Exposure to nature has been associated with alterations in brain activity in the prefrontal
cortex, an area of the brain that plays an important role in emotional regulation. One
experimental study among female university students in Japan investigated physiological and
psychological responses to looking at real plants compared with images of the same plants.
Most importantly, participants expressed feelings of comfort and relaxation after seeing real
plants and images. But physiological response was observed only after seeing real plants
Because of oxy-hemoglobin concentrations in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting that real plants
may have physiological benefits for brain activity not replicated by images of plants. 
[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]
[ Igarashi, M., et al .2015]

2.1.5  Blood Pressure

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          Research in Japan from 52 studies on the physiological effects of nature therapy found
overwhelming evidence that blood pressure levels decreased when participants were exposed to a
natural environment.
Another systematic review synthesizes the effects of forest walking on blood pressure, including
20 trials involving 732 participants including high-school and college-aged youth. Authors found
that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure taken in the forest environment were significantly
lower than in non-forest environments. 
[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]
[ Ideno, Y., et al. 2017]

2.1.6  Immunity
     A study was conducted in which subjects experienced a 3-day/2-night trip to forest areas, and
blood and urine were sampled on days 2 and 3 of the trip. On days 7 and 30 after the trip, it was
found that the mean values of natural killer (NK) cells (which play a major role in the immune
system) and NK activity were higher on forest camping days compared with control days.
[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]
[Li, Q ., et al. 2007]

2.2  Observational studies

Observational studies have shown immense positive evidence of associations between nature and
health, lower levels of cardiovascular disease, and higher levels of physical activity. Here, The
major findings of mental health, obesity, sleep and  asthma   are summarized below which are
more interconnected with the post COVID scenario. 

2.2.1  Mental Health

         Access to green space has been linked with improved mental well-being, overall health,
lower psychological distress. A survey by US-based students refer that people who are engaged
with green spaces in active ways more or less than 15 minutes 4 or 5 times per week reported
higher quality of life, better mood, and lower stress.  
[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]
[Maury-Mora, Marcela, et al. March, 2022

2.2.2 Obesity
          Green space may influence obesity through a physical activity pathway. Some studies have
shown that exposure to green space is associated with lower rates of obesity in children  and
adults . One study found that street tree density was associated with lower obesity prevalence in
New York City (U.S.) children;

 n an Australian study, the prevalence of being overweight was 27–41% lower in girls and boys
who spent more time outdoors at the study baseline than those who spent less time outdoors . 

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[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]
[Astell-Burt., et al. 2014]

2.2.3  Sleep
               A study of Australian adults who lived in areas with greater than 80% green space
demonstrated lower risk of short sleep duration, even after adjustment for other predictors of
sleep. Among U.S. adults participating in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
survey, natural amenities (e.g., green space, lakes, and oceans) were associated with lower
reporting of insufficient sleep, and greenness was especially protective among men and
individuals over 65 years of age.
[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]
[ Shin, J.C,. et al. 2020]

2.2.3   Asthma
           Several studies have examined the relationship between greenspace and respiratory
systems such as asthma and allergies. A study in Spain found proximity to residential greenness
to be protective of asthma, bronchitis in the Mediterranean region of Spain .
[Jimenez, Marcia P., et al. 30 April,2021]
[ Lovasi, G.S,. et al. 2013]

2.3   UN-Habitat key message on COVID-19 and public space by WHO

This part analyzes the UN-Habitat key messages on COVID-19 and public space in May 2020,
as well as the importance of urban green spaces reported by the World Health Organization .To
combat the pandemic era, two simultaneous approaches-short and extended interventions–should
be implemented .
[UN-Habitat, 2020. UN-habitat Key Message on COVID-19 and Public Space. World Health Organization, 2006.
The World Health Report: Working Together for Health. ]

Short Term approaches :

i. Public space is an important asset in pandemic times for relaxation, sports etc.
ii.  Accessibility for all and well integrated and connected public spaces
iii. Providing essential facilities; water sanitation and lavatory.
iv. Public spaces for livelihoods with proper health protocol;  such as vendor, temporary
stalls
v. Permit functions’ flexibility; In pandemic eras. So, public places must be multifaceted,
versatile, and constantly respond to change.

Medium and long term approaches :

i. Equitably in open public spaces distribution along the city:  Policymakers must guarantee
that open public areas are evenly spread throughout cities and well-connected by a
network of paths that encourages cycling, gathering, and walking.

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 ii. Planning self-sufficient neighborhoods or existing of a “20-minute compact city
neighborhood”; 

                 
Fig 2.  The concept of the 20 minutes’ city. Source; Victoria State Government, 2020, 20     Minute Neighborhoods.
[UN-Habitat, 2020. UN-habitat Key Message on COVID-19 and Public Space. World Health Organization, 2006.
The World Health Report: Working Together for Health. ]

iii. Maintenance of public open spaces – space’s design, materials used, and management
iv. Flexibility in designing green spaces: Urban green areas should be designed and planned
in a responsive manner, with functional adaptations ready to respond to future expansions
and changing requirements.

3  Case Study

3.1  Case Study 01 : 

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact urban green spaces  in Jeddah megacity ( Saudi
Arabia )  

Jeddah is one of the largest megacities in Saudi Arabia, with a total population of 4 million; the
population density is 5400 persons per square kilometer . It is situated on the western coast of the
Red Sea. The climate of jeddah city can be described as a dry and hot desert weather with an
average rainfall of 45 mm and an average temperature of >40 ◦C in summer and around 28 ◦C in
winter. 
[Addas, Abdullah, and Ahmad Maghrabi. Feb,2022]

In this case study, two urban parks in Jeddah megacity, which are located nearly at the center of
the city, were taken as consideration and they are ;-
i. Masarah Garden ( 44,250 sqm )
ii. Al Jamaa Garden ( 55,380 sqm )
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In this case study , both online and physical questionnaire surveys (june-august,2021) were used
to examine the impact of COVID 19. 
i. A total of 215 respondents were surveyed at two urban parks, among which, 154
(randomly selected) were face-to-face surveys and 61 were online surveys.
ii. Among them about 60 % were male and about 40 % were female.
(61 % male and 39 % female at Al Masarah Garden and 55 % male and 45 % female at
Al Jamaa Garden). 
iii. The largest percentage of park visitors were 30–40 years old (>35 %), followed by 20–30
years old (about 25 %), 40–50 years old (more than 20 %), and older than 50 (>15 %)
They were given a pre-test questionnaire to find out their impression of the park. 
[Addas, Abdullah, and Ahmad Maghrabi. Feb,2022]

 
Fig 3    Masarah Garden and Al Jamaa garden, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.   Image Source: Google Maps

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              Fig 4.    Question-specific assessments of the impacts of COVID-19 on the perception of  
                         Urban parks. [Addas, Abdullah, and Ahmad Maghrabi. Feb,2022]      
This case  study mainly investigated the use patterns, attitudes, and perceptions of urban park
visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic in two urban parks in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia, using a
questionnaire survey and field observations. From the results of the study, it can be mentioned
that,
i. Firstly, there was a substantial impact during the pandemic in comparison with pre-
pandemic periods in the use of urban parks. 
ii. Secondly, the urban parks were mostly used for spending time with relatives and friends
followed by mental refreshment, physical exercise, spending time with kids (playing,
traveling), and physical activities during pandemic to reduce mental trauma and physical
fatigueness. 
Thus, from the overall study, it can be noted that there were substantial physical and mental
impact on the use, attitudes and perception towards urban parks during pandemic and pre-
pandemic periods. 

3.2   Case Study 02 :

 Stress manifestation in Madrid in pre and post COVID era 

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Madrid, capital city of Spain and one of the most affected cities in Europe. The whole situation
was surely to be responsible for stress-levels to peak. In this case study, an online survey was
initiated to better understand the relationship between people and Urban Green Spaces before
and after COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 132 responses were logged. The study was limited to
mental health interferences, specifically related to stress and its most frequent manifestations
among the urban population. These indicators included physical, mood or behavioral changes
and were studied on those participants who had access to UGS (Urban Green Spaces)  before,
during and after the confinement. The survey consisted of 40 questions in 4 different parts. The
participant’s sample included anyone over the age of 18 with internet access (facebook, email,
whatsapp). The survey was carried out in Madrid, capital city of Spain.
[Maury-Mora, Marcela, et al.,March, 2022]

Fig 5.  Plaza Mayor de Madrid during lockdown [Maury-Mora, Marcela, et al.,March, 2022]

Data comparison of online survey results are given below :-

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Fig 6.  Percentage of stress manifestations experimented by: (a) Daily users who stopped using UGS daily  during
lockdown; Maury-Mora, Marcela, et al.,March, 2022]

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Fig 7.  Percentage of stress manifestations experimented (b) Non UGS users' stress parameters during and before
lockdown [Maury-Mora, Marcela, et al.,March, 2022]
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Fig 8.  Percentage of stress manifestations experimented (c) Newly daily users that started visiting UGS again
during lockdown. [Maury-Mora, Marcela, et al.,March, 2022]

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4  Discussion and findings
    
      Key findings from literature review are mainly the evidence of effects of nature on physical
and biological parameters such as brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity,
stress, anxiety and sleep.  Experimental studies suggested the protective effects natural
environments on mental health. On the other hand, observational studies evaluate the evidence of
positive associations between nature and health, physical activity, cardiovascular disease,
chronic disease and neurological parameters.
     
      From the 1st case study, it can be stated that the citizens of Jeddah megacity who went to
parks pandemic period because they felt the necessity of urban parks for their physical and
mental well-being. This clearly indicates that urban parks need to be managed properly to
enhance people’s well-being and meet their needs. COVID-19 initiated lockdowns which had an
immense impact on people’s mental and physical health. Particularly in cities, people remained
isolated at home, which has had a crucial impact on their mental and physical health. This case
study also showed that urban parks had an immense impact on physical health (such as walking,
physical activities, and sports) and mental health (such as mental refreshment and relaxation).
Hence, this study has immense potential for helping to perceive the role of urban parks as green
spaces to cope with many diseases and enhance the quality of life and health.

     From the 2nd case study , it was found that stress conditions increased during lockdown
(2020). So, general need, satisfaction and appreciation for UGS increased. Pre-pandemic daily
UGS users that continued to use UGS in their daily life have the fewest stress indicators before
lockdown, but even though they continued to use these UGS daily their stress increased
considerably for COVID-19.  But eventually, stress and other mental parameters decreased when
they started using UGS physical and mental refreshment after lockdown.

The opposite happened with the daily users who stopped using UGS , they led slightly more
stressful lives prior to lockdown, however, their stress indicators did not increase as much as
they were daily users. 

The newly and daily users that turned to daily UGS users had a much more balanced stress-
condition graph bar. Their stress level was significantly higher than daily users, but when they
started using UGS on a daily basis during lock-down, this helped easing stress conditions.
5  Conclusions

The importance of green spaces in urban settings and how they improve not only physical but
also mental health are discussed in the literature review and case studies respectively. Besides
surveys and questionnaire justifies the actual condition of people’s physical and mental state
towards UGS. Moreover, few recommendations can be stated :

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United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) suggests an ideal city should have minimum
25% green spaces. But for example, a mega city like Dhaka has only 8%. So, City planners must
keep in mind the standard percentage of UGS while planning a mega city to ensure healthy
neighborhoods.
[ Molla, M.A.M., July 2, 2022]

Cecil Konijnendiijk, an urban forester, introduced 3-30-300 rule as a rule of thumb for green
space in cities. He suggested that every citizen must be able to see at least 3 trees of decent size
from their home, there should be 30% green canopy in their neighborhood and one should live
within 300 meters radius of a UGS.
[Nieuwenhuijsen,M.J., October, 2021]

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), a micro survey systems through smartphones can be
used to measure how and why people interact with nature. It can be applied to estimate mental
health results instantly and these results can be geo-tagged and linked to spatial measures of
natural environments. Wearable devices like Fitbit may also provide objective information on
physical activity patterns, heart rate, sleep, and other biometrics parameters. Future studies on
nature and mental health should focus more on urban blue spaces as well.

So, It can be stated that Pandemics have both positive and negative societal impacts, including
how people interact with one another in UGS as well as interactions between people and spaces.
In this prospect, this paper indicates that urban green spaces are the most convenient for people
to get spatial healing from nature. Using UGS daily relaxes the physical and mental condition.
But what became more evident is that when occasional users, suddenly faced with a stressful
situation (like a pandemic) start to use UGS for relief, there is a higher chance of reducing the
negative influences or unhealthy conditions.

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