Perceived Mental Restoration Through Multi-Sensory Qualities in Sustainable Urban Green Spaces

Perceived Mental Restoration Through Multi-Sensory Qualities in Sustainable Urban Green Spaces

Filzani Illia Ibrahim, Myzatul Aishah Kamarazaly, Nik Syazwan Nik Ab Wahab, Muhammad Mirza Qayyum
Copyright: © 2022 |Pages: 18
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-5119-9.ch008
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Abstract

A particular region of interest that is relatively understudied is the relationship of urban green spaces and mental restoration through the perspective of multi-sensory design. In the Malaysian context, the topic of urban green spaces and mental restoration have largely been unexplored, and as a result, little is known about it in the local context, especially when it comes to a multi-sensory experience perspective. This study investigates the relationships between urban green spaces and mental restoration through the lens of multi-sensory approach based on the public's perception. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data regarding the users' perceptions of their mental restoration in the setting of Taman Aman. Preliminary results show that users perceive each sensory experience differently, with varying levels of agreement regarding which sensory aspect is most influential to their perceived level of mental restoration. In conclusion, the users' levels of mental restoration is positively affected by their multi-sensory experiences in the presence of an urban green space.
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Introduction

Urban green spaces represent a part of a “green infrastructure” and an integral part of public spaces and shared services supplied by city authorities to serve as an environment that uplifts the larger urban community (WHO, 2017). Outside of the definition given by the World Health Organisation, urban green space can be defined in numerous ways. Lo & Jim (2012) mentioned that urban green spaces require vegetation situated in a built-up area. Green spaces lend themselves to the urban community's aesthetic, public health, and ecological needs (Aydin & Cukur, 2012). Meanwhile, Taylor & Hochuli (2017) say that it can be interpreted in two ways: green space as a part of nature or green space as urban vegetated spaces. Urban green spaces should include communal, private, or publicly accessible vegetated areas within an urban landscape, which purpose is commonly for leisure or recreational activities (Nath, Sim & Lechner, 2018). Within the topic of open spaces in Malaysia, the Department of Town & Country Planning (JPBD) has categorised the types of open spaces available. Table 1 below shows typologies of open spaces in Malaysia as outlined by the Department of Town and Planning Malaysia (2013).

Table 1.
Typology of Open Spaces in Malaysia
Type of Open SpacesMinimum Required AreaPopulation SizeFunction
Playlot0.2 hectares300-1000Active recreation areas in suburban areas for primary school children
Playground0.6 hectares1000-3000Recreation areas that accommodate 3 sub-divisions of a neighborhood to serve as active recreation and sports for children, teenagers and adults
Neighborhood Park2 hectares3000-12000Recreation areas within a neighborhood for recreational activities, sports and social interaction within the local residents
Local Park8 hectares12000-50000Recreation areas that accommodate several neighborhood units for recreational activities, sports and social interactions
Town Park40 hectares>50000Recreation areas that function as a city attraction for recreational activities, sports and appreciating nature
Regional Park100 hectaresWhole RegionalRecreation areas that function as a territorial attraction for recreational activities, sports and appreciating nature
National ParkNo limitWhole CountryRecreation areas that have the functionality for research, nature conservation and national heritage

Source: Department of Town and Country Planning (2013).

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