A Participatory Inventory Project to Kick-Start the Creation of a Hospital Park: The Experience of the University of Verona (North-Eastern Italy)

Silvia Alba, Maddalena Baldo, Laura De Benedetti, Sara Deimichei, Francesca Mazzino, Antonino Margagliotti, Veronica Polin, Davide Quaglia (), Stefano Tardivo and Ilaria Tocco Tussardi
Additional contact information
Silvia Alba: University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
Maddalena Baldo: University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
Laura De Benedetti: CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, 18038 Sanremo, Italy
Sara Deimichei: University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
Francesca Mazzino: Department of Architecture and Design, University of Genoa, 16123 Genoa, Italy
Antonino Margagliotti: Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
Davide Quaglia: Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
Stefano Tardivo: Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
Ilaria Tocco Tussardi: Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-11

Abstract: The proximity and accessibility of a green space to places of care have recognized beneficial effects on healing processes. In this communication, we present the results of a pilot research action which has been focused on a neglected urban green area located near to a university hospital. The research action was conducted with a participatory approach, which mainly involved university students, to make the renovation project more inclusive and to create an opportunity for training on green and sustainability themes. The specific aims were: (i) to initiate the renovation of a green space of 18,000 square meters with potential benefits for users of both the hospital and the University of Verona (north-eastern Italy); (ii) to map and classify the greenery in the park; and (iii) to investigate the opinions and attitudes of the potential users of the green area. By performing digital identification and mapping, a detailed tree inventory of the green space was created. Results showed that five species accounted for more than 70% of the trees, with the majority being deciduous plants (59%) between 5 and 20 m tall (72.5%) and 20–200 cm in circumference (80.8%). Through interviews with the population, we highlighted a limited knowledge of the area but a consensus on the importance of the requalification. We highlight how the participatory methodology may represent a valuable tool for local policymakers to manage the city’s green spaces at various scales and implement greenery for the common well-being.

Keywords: healing garden; landscape architecture; participatory science; sustainable city; web application (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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