Urban Blue Spaces as Therapeutic Landscapes: “A Slice of Nature in the City”

Niamh Smith (), Ronan Foley, Michail Georgiou, Zoë Tieges and Sebastien Chastin
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Niamh Smith: School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
Ronan Foley: Department of Geography, Maynooth University, W23 HW31 Kildare, Ireland
Michail Georgiou: School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
Zoë Tieges: School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
Sebastien Chastin: School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 22, 1-20

Abstract: Urban blue spaces are defined as all natural and manmade surface water in urban environments. This paper draws on how the concepts of experienced, symbolic, social, and activity space combine to position urban blue spaces as therapeutic landscapes. We conducted 203 intercept interviews between 12 October 2019 and 10 November 2019. Although safety concerns had health-limiting impacts, interacting with the Glasgow Canal and surrounding landscape was predominantly perceived as health-enhancing. Our findings build on current evidence, which has suggested that urban blue spaces, particularly canals, may foster therapeutic properties, contributing to healthier city environments. Further research is required to understand better the interconnectedness of urban blue spaces and health and how such spaces can be best developed and managed to improve the health outcomes of local populations.

Keywords: blue space; urban environment; therapeutic landscape; qualitative data (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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