Bringing Fronts Back: A Research Agenda to Investigate the Health and Well-Being Impacts of Front Gardens

Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Pui, Alistair Griffiths, Jenny J. Roe and Ross W. F. Cameron
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Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Pui: Department of Landscape, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
Alistair Griffiths: Science team, Royal Horticultural Society, Woking GU23 6QB, UK
Jenny J. Roe: Center for Design and Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
Ross W. F. Cameron: Department of Landscape, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK

Challenges, 2019, vol. 10, issue 2, 1-11

Abstract: This perspective article proposes an agenda to investigate the impacts of front gardens (yards) on health and well-being. As front gardens are increasingly being paved over, significant ecological benefits will be lost. In addition, urban green infrastructure has a measurable role to play in addressing major public health issues related to mental health, chronic stress, inflammatory, and cardiovascular diseases. The social value of front gardens remains un-quantified. Future research can contribute to assessing the psycho-socio-cultural value of front gardens, and fostering healthy environments for people to live, work, and play in. A better understanding of the health impacts of front gardens can provide a relatable argument to protect permeable surfaces and spaces for nature, as well as to discourage the general public from paving over their front gardens. We propose eight central research questions to be addressed in future work, and elaborate on further variables, lines of inquiry, and suggested intervention trials and observational studies. Potential research findings will have implications for decision-making in fields of horticulture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and public health.

Keywords: well-being; domestic gardens; front gardens; cultural ecosystem services; urban landscapes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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