Urban green spaces: between ecology and recreational value
Parks, urban forests, and other green spaces are important for making cities healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient to climate change. They provide places for recreation and social interaction, help cool cities during heatwaves, support biodiversity, and contribute to people's well-being. But do residents and urban planners always value these spaces in the same way?
A new research project at ITAS, funded by the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung, explores this question. Drawing on research conducted in Germany and the Republic of Korea, the project investigates similarities and differences between the perspectives of citizens and professionals involved in urban planning and governance.
City planners, for example, may emphasize ecological functions such as biodiversity conservation or climate adaptation. Residents, on the other hand, may particularly appreciate green spaces as places to exercise, meet friends, relax, or experience nature in their daily lives. “Understanding these different perspectives can help cities create and manage green spaces that are both environmentally effective and responsive to the needs and values of the people who use them,” explains project leader Jaewon Son.
Building on survey data from Karlsruhe, Germany, and Suwon, South Korea, as well as interviews with planners and governance actors in several German and Korean cities, the project examines where citizens’ and experts’ perspectives on urban green spaces converge and where they differ. The findings will provide insights into how societal perspectives can be better integrated into decisions about urban nature. More broadly, the project aims to contribute to research on the role of societal values in addressing governance challenges arising from social, environmental, and technological change. (12.10.2026)
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