Landscape Perception and the Importance of Recreation Areas for Students during the Pandemic Time

Sebastian Bernat (), Karolina Trykacz and Jakub Skibiński
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Sebastian Bernat: Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Kraśnicka Av. 2d, 20-718 Lublin, Poland
Karolina Trykacz: Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Kraśnicka Av. 2d, 20-718 Lublin, Poland
Jakub Skibiński: Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Kraśnicka Av. 2d, 20-718 Lublin, Poland

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 16, 1-22

Abstract: The landscape and its perception influence the quality of life of a local community. Recreation areas bring a lot of benefits to society, also in terms of mental health. Open space and contact with nature, particularly during a crisis such as the pandemic, help alleviate the effects of the lockdown and social isolation. The study objective was to determine whether and to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the importance of recreation areas and the perception of landscape among students—a social group that experiences mood disorders increasingly often and has been severely affected by the lockdown. A survey was conducted in two stages, using a Google Forms online survey. A total of 381 students from universities in Lublin participated in the survey. The survey showed that the significance of recreation areas increased during the pandemic. The perception of landscape changed as well: the value of nature, scenic views, and the therapeutic effect of the landscape began to be appreciated to a greater extent. The survey results indicate the need to ensure the diversity of green areas and improve their accessibility. Designing these areas should also consider quiet areas as well as ensuring green mobility and places of recreation.

Keywords: COVID-19; landscape; green space; recreation; well-being; young people (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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