Description

The indicator describes the benefits of historical and cultural aspects to citizens of urban green space such as NBS.

The indicator describes the benefits of historical and cultural aspects to citizens of urban green space such as NBS. The benefits cover aspects of artistic expressions such as graffiti, arts and murals, written, drawn or painted as forms of communication (either from past times or present). Through stories of the users of NBS might dignify the historical understanding of transformation and development (1). Also, diverse elements generate thoughts about symbols and metaphors existing between one’s life and nature as well as places of identity, memory and belonging (2). Cultural heritage can be seen as the intermingling of past and present practices and represents thus bridges between different periods, cultures, localities and the natural environment. Cultural heritage and diversity enrich human life with meaning and emotions, enhance the quality of the lives of citizens and is a precious and irreplaceable resource (3). Cultural assets might have a little monetary value but an immense culture significance to the local community (4).

Scale as linked to D2.2 framework

Delete as appropriate:

• National
• City
• Neighborhood 
• Street
• Household
• Object

Data source [ link to data framework]

• Photographs
• Questionnaires
• interviews

Data needs

• Qualitative assessment covers photograph analysis (1), behavioural observations (1, 3), questionnaires, consultation meetings and workshops (3) as well as a variety of interview methods (e.g., semi-structured interviews) (1, 3, 4). Quantitative approaches include site surveys (3, 4) and geographical data (i.e., digital elevation model, DEM, GIS data, (historic & current) land use) (4).

Expected Outputs

• To be determined

Calculation methods

• The indicator is measured through the quantity of cultural assets and symbols/elements (e.g., graffiti, arts, murals, stickers etc.) or qualitatively when measuring the impressions or feelings of users of nature in cities. The values used for the scoring of the indicator Historical and Cultural meaning were based on empirical data (1, 2, 3), modelling studies (2) and literature reviews (2, 4).

Links and references

• Auyeung, D.N., Campbell, L.K., Johnson, M., Sonti, N.F. and Svendsen, E. (2016) Reading the landscape: citywide social assessment of New York City parks and natural areas in 2013- 2014.
• Bengtsson, A. and Grahn, P. (2014) Outdoor environments in healthcare settings: A quality evaluation tool for use in designing healthcare gardens. Urban forestry & urban greening, 13(4), pp.878-891.
• Rostami, R., Lamit, H., Khoshnava, S.M., Rostami, R. and Rosley, M.S.F. (2015) Sustainable cities and the contribution of historical urban green spaces: A case study of historical Persian gardens. Sustainability, 7(10), pp.13290-13316.
• Vojinovic, Z., Keerakamolchai, W., Weesakul, S., Pudar, R.S., Medina, N. and Alves, A. (2016) Combining ecosystem services with cost-benefit analysis for selection of green and grey infrastructure for flood protection in a cultural setting. Environments, 4(1), p.3.