A universal standard for health-promoting places. Example of assessment – on the basis of a case study of Rahway River Park

Monika Trojanowska

m4troj@gmail.com
Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture; UTP University of Science and Technology; (Poland)
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8168-0746

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to development of approaches to the evaluation of the design of public open green spaces (POS). This paper presents a universal standard for the design of health-promoting urban places. The standard is a conceptual framework which was developed after visiting over one hundred public parks and therapeutic gardens in Europe and the United States. The universal standard is a simple and effective tool that can be used by both professional designers and non-professionals to improve the health-promoting qualities of open green spaces. Rahway River Park, designed by Olmsted Brothers in 1925, serves as a case study.


Keywords:

therapeutic landscapes, health-promoting places, universal standard of design, pattern of design

Frumkin H., “Beyond toxicity: human health and the natural environment”, American journal of preventive medicine, vol. 20, no.3, (2001), pp.234-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(00)00317-2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(00)00317-2   Google Scholar

Largo-Wight E., “Cultivating healthy places and communities: evidenced-based nature contact recommendations”, International Journal of Environmental Health Research, vol. 21, no. 1, (2011), pp. 41–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2010.499452
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2010.499452   Google Scholar

Frumkin H. et al., “Nature Contact and Human Health: A Research Agenda”, Environmental Health Perspectives, vol 125, no. 7, (2017). https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1663
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1663   Google Scholar

Gesler W., “Lourdes: healing in a place of pilgrimage”, Health & Place, vol. 2, no.2, pp. 95-105, (1996). https://doi.org/10.1016/1353-8292(96)00004-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/1353-8292(96)00004-4   Google Scholar

Zube E., “Perceived land Use Patterns and Landscape Values”, Landscape Ecology, vol. 1, no. 1, (1987), pp 37–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02275264
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02275264   Google Scholar

Williams A., “Therapeutic landscapes in holistic medicine”, Social Science and Medicine, vol. 46, no. 9, (1998), pp. 1193-1203. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0277-9536(97)10048-X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0277-9536(97)10048-X   Google Scholar

Bell S. L., Wheeler B. W., Phoenix C., “Using Geonarratives to Explore the Diverse Temporalities of Therapeutic Landscapes: Perspectives from “Green” and “Blue” Settings”, Annals of the American Association of Geographers, vol. 107, no. 1, (2017), pp. 93–108. https://doi.org/10.1080/24694452.2016.1218269
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24694452.2016.1218269   Google Scholar

Gesler W., “Therapeutic Landscapes: An evolving theme”, Health & Place, vol. 11, no. 4, (2005), pp. 295-297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2005.02.003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2005.02.003   Google Scholar

Williams A., “Spiritual therapeutic landscapes and healing: A case study of St. Anne de Beaupre, Quebec, Canada”, Social Science & Medicine, vol. 70, no. 10, (2010), pp. 1633-1640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.01.012
  Google Scholar

Cooper-Marcus C., Sachs N., Therapeutic Landscapes. An Evidence-Based Approach to Designing Healing Gardens and Restorative Outdoor Spaces. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2014, pp. 14-35.
  Google Scholar

Huang L., Xu H., “Therapeutic landscapes and longevity: Wellness tourism in Bama”, Social Science & Medicine, vol. 197, (2017), pp. 24-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.11.052
  Google Scholar

Trojanowska M., Sas-Bojarska A., “Health-affirming everyday landscapes in sustainable city. Theories and tools”, ACEE Architecture Civil and Environmental Engineering, no. 3/2018, (2018). https://doi.org/10.21307/ACEE-2018-037
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/acee-2018-037   Google Scholar

Bell S.L., Foley R., Houghton F. et al., “From therapeutic landscapes to healthy spaces, places and practices: A scoping review”, Social Science & Medicine, vol. 196, (2018), pp. 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.11.035
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.11.035   Google Scholar

Williams A., “Spiritual therapeutic landscapes and healing: A case study of St. Anne de Beaupre, Quebec, Canada”, Social Science & Medicine, , vol. 70, no. 10 pp. 1633-1640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.01.012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.01.012   Google Scholar

Huang L., Xu H., “Therapeutic landscapes and longevity: Wellness tourism in Bama”, Social Science & Medicine, vol. 197, (2018), pp. 24-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.11.052
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.11.052   Google Scholar

Harting T., Bringslimark T., Patil GG. “Restorative Environmental Design: What, When, Wher, and for Whom?” in: Biophilic design: the theory, science, and practice of bringing buildings to life, Kellert S., Heerwagen J., Mador M. (Ed.), (2008), Hobken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, pp. 133.
  Google Scholar

Community green: using local spaces to tackle inequality and improve health, London, CABE Commission for architecture and the built environment, (2010).
  Google Scholar

Ulrich, R., “View through a window may influence recovery from surgery”. Science, Vol. 224, No. 4647, (1984), pp. 42-421. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.6143402
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.6143402   Google Scholar

Kaplan R., Kaplan S., Ryan R.L. With People in Mind. Design and Management of Everyday Nature Island Press, Washington D.C., Covelo, California, 1998.
  Google Scholar

Rosenblatt Naderi J., “Design of walking environments for spirituals renewal Paper presented to Walk21-V Cities for people”, in Proceedings - The fifth International Conference on Walking in the 21st century, June 9-11 2004, Copenhagen, Denmark.
  Google Scholar

Heerwagen J., Gregory B., “Biophilia and Sensory Aesthetics”, in: Biophilic design: the theory, science, and practice of bringing buildings to life, Kellert S., Heerwagen J., Mador M. (Ed.), Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2008.
  Google Scholar

Mahan A., Golestani S., Meschi M., “Pedestrian street and walkability: Studying the effect of type and quality of adjacent usage in walkability of pedestrian street”, in: Dymitryszyn I., Kaczyńska M., Maksymiuk G.: The power of landscape- Peer Reviewed Proceedings of ECLAS 2012 Conference at Warsaw University of Life Science – SGGW, 2012.
  Google Scholar

Ryan C., Browning W., Clancy J., “BIOPHILIC DESIGN PATTERNS Emerging Nature-Based Parameters for Health and Well-Being in the Built Environment”, International Journal of Architectural Research, Vol. 8, No. 2, (2014), pp. 62-76. https://archnet.org/publications/9767
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26687/archnet-ijar.v8i2.436   Google Scholar

Hildebrand G., “Biophilic Architectural Space: In: Kellert S., Heerwagen J., Mador M. (Ed.), 2008 Biophilic design: the theory, science, and practice of bringing buildings to life, Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2008.
  Google Scholar

Kuo F., Sullivan W., “Environment and crime in the inner city. Does Vegetation Reduce Crime?”, ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR, vol. 33, no. 3, (2001), pp. 343-367. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916501333002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00139160121973025   Google Scholar

Kuo F., Parks and Other Green Environments: Essential Components of a Healthy Human Habitat. National Recreation and Park Association, 2010. Available: https://www.nrpa.org/globalassets/research/mingkuo-research-paper.pdf [Accessed: 29 Mar 2020]
  Google Scholar

Sempik, J., Aldridge, J., Becker, S., Growing Together – a practice guide to promoting social inclusion through gardening and horticulture, Bristol: The Policy Press, 2005.
  Google Scholar

Sempik J., Aldridge J., Becker S., Health, Well-being and Social Inclusion Therapeutic Horticulture in the UK. Bristol: The Policy Press, 2005.
  Google Scholar

Mass J. van Dillen, S.M.E., Verheij, R.A., & Groenewegen, “Social contacts as possible mechanism behind the relation between Green space and health”, Health and Place, Vol. 15, No. 2, (2009), pp. 586-595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2008.09.006
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2008.09.006   Google Scholar

Ghavampour E., The contribution of Natural Design Elements to the Sustained Use of Public Space in a City Centre. Ph.D. desideration, University of Wellington, 2014.
  Google Scholar

Marques B., McIntosh J., Chanse V., “Improving Community Health and Wellbeing Through Multi-Functional Green Infrastructure in Cities Undergoing Densification”, Acta Horticulturae et Regiotecturae, vol.23, no.2, (2020), pp.101-107. https://doi.org/10.2478/ahr-2020-0020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ahr-2020-0020   Google Scholar

Gehl J., Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space. Island Press; Sixth Edition, 2011.
  Google Scholar

Grahn P. et al., “A planning model for designing sustainable and healthy cities. The importance of people’s need of recreational environments in an urban context”, in: NAEP (National Assoc. of Environmental Professionals) 30th Annual Conference, Alexandris VA, USA, 16-19 april 2005
  Google Scholar

Lis A., Struktura podłoża motywacyjnego zachowań użytkowników parków miejskich. Wrocław: Wydawnictwo Akademii Rolniczej we Wrocławiu, 2005.
  Google Scholar

Stigsdotter, U. A. and Grahn, P., ‘What Makes a Garden a Healing Garden?’, Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, Vol. 13, (2002), pp. 60-69.
  Google Scholar

Alexander Ch., A pattern language. Towns –Buildings- Construction. Oxford University Press, 1977.
  Google Scholar

Ward J.S. Duncan J.S. Jarden A. Steward T., “The impact of children's exposure to greenspace on physical activity, cognitive development, emotional wellbeing, and ability to appraise risk.”, Health & Place, vol. 40, (2016), pp. 44-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.04.015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.04.015   Google Scholar

Takano T, Nakamura K., Watanabe M., “Urban residential environments and senior citizens’ longevity in megacity areas: the importance of walkable green spaces”, Journal of Epidemiology Community Health; vol. 56, (2002), pp. 913-918. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.56.12.913
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.56.12.913   Google Scholar

Gibson J., The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception. 1st Edition, Routlege, 2014.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315740218   Google Scholar

Stoltz J., Schaffer Ch., “Salutogenic Affordances and Sustainability: Multiple Benefits With Edible Forest Gardens in Urban Green Spaces”, Frontiers in Psychology, (2018). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02344
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02344   Google Scholar

Souter-Brown G., Hinckson E., Duncan S., “Effects of a sensory garden on workplace wellbeing: A randomised control trial”, Landscape and Urban Planning, vol. 207, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103997
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103997   Google Scholar

Stone B., Perez-Carro C., Activity-Based Parks Typology: A Strategy for Addressing the Parks and Recreation Needs of Residents in an Urban Environment. Option paper, CP 8990, spring 2015. Available: https://smartech.gatech.edu/bitstream/handle/1853/53792/perez_carlos_activity_based_parks_typology.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y [Accessed: 29 Mar 2020]
  Google Scholar

Trojanowska M., Parki i ogrody terapeutyczne. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 2017.
  Google Scholar

Trojanowska M., “Therapeutic Qualities and Sustainable Approach to Heritage of the City. The Coastal Strip in Gdańsk, Poland”, Sustainability, vol. 12, no. 21, (2020). https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219243
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219243   Google Scholar

Trojanowska M., “Architectural strategies that promote creation of social bonds within eco-neighbourhoods”, Space and Form, no. 46/2021, (2020), pp.195-210. https://doi.org/10.21005/pif.2021.46.C-07
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21005/pif.2021.46.C-07   Google Scholar

Day S., “Place and the experience of air quality”, Health & Place, Vol. 13, No.1, (2007), pp. 249-260, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2006.01.002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2006.01.002   Google Scholar

Zuniga-Teran A. et al., “Designing healthy communities: Testing the walkability model”, Frontiers of Architectural Research, Vol. 6, No. 1, (2016), pp.63-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2016.11.005
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2016.11.005   Google Scholar

Burypensions, “UCCF 4/16/15: Rahway River Park Stadium Full Coverage”, countywatchers. Available: https://countywatchers.wordpress.com/2015/04/18/uccf-41615-rahway-river-park-stadium-full-coverage/ [Accessed: 18 Oct 2021]
  Google Scholar

United State Department of Agriculture, Soil Survey or Union County, New Jersey, 2002. Available: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/new_jersey/unionNJ2002/unionNJ2002.pdf [Accessed: 29 Mar 2020]
  Google Scholar

Rahway River Watershed Association, 2018 Water Quality Report Card, 2018. Available: https://rahwayriver.org/waterqualitydocs/RRWA2018Water%20QualityReportCard.pdf [Accessed: 29 Mar 2020]
  Google Scholar

IQAir, Air quality in Rahway. Available: https://www.iqair.com/usa/new-jersey/rahway [Accessed: 29 Mar 2020]
  Google Scholar


Published
2021-10-29

Cited by

Trojanowska, M. (2021) “A universal standard for health-promoting places. Example of assessment – on the basis of a case study of Rahway River Park ”, Budownictwo i Architektura, 20(3), pp. 057–082. doi: 10.35784/bud-arch.2715.

Authors

Monika Trojanowska 
m4troj@gmail.com
Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture; UTP University of Science and Technology; Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8168-0746

Statistics

Abstract views: 379
PDF downloads: 188 PDF downloads: 52 PDF downloads: 48


License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Budownictwo i Architektura supports the open science program. The journal enables Open Access to their publications. Everyone can view, download and forward articles, provided that the terms of the license are respected.

Publishing of articles is possible after submitting a signed statement on the transfer of a license to the Journal.