Therapeutic Qualities and Sustainable Approach to Heritage of the City. The Coastal Strip in Gdańsk, Poland

Urban Sensory Gardens with Aromatic Herbs in the Light of Climate Change: Therapeutic Potential and Memory-Dependent Smell Impact on Human Wellbeing

The aim of this study was to analyze urban sensory gardens containing aromatic herbs in terms of the plants used in them. The analysis considered the impact of climate change, particularly of higher temperatures, which may affect the character of contemporary urban gardens. The study was planned primarily in the context of the gardens’ therapeutic significance to their users. An important part of the work was to analyze how particular aromatic plants are perceived and received by the inhabitants, using the example of one of Poland's largest cities, Kraków, to assess whether they can have an impact on the inhabitants’ positive memories and thus improve their well-being. Initially, the plant composition of gardens located in Poland that feature aromatic herbs was analyzed. This was followed by a survey and an analysis of therapeutic gardens using the Trojanowska method as modified by Krzeptowska-Moszkowicz et al. The plant composition analysis of sensory gardens featuring herbs demonstrated that vulnerable plants in the Central European climate are being introduced to urban sensory gardens. In terms of major aromatic plants, it was found that almost every respondent reported the existence of scents that had some form of essential significance associated with personal memories. Considering the important sensory impact of water elements in therapeutic gardens, as well as problems related to the acquisition of drinking water or water used in agriculture or horticulture, the paper also addresses this topic. It was found that the city dwellers who filled in the questionnaire strongly preferred the introduction of more ecological solutions in the gardens related to water use—to collect and use rainwater, e.g., for watering, instead of piped water.

Climate Change Mitigation and Preservation of the Cultural Heritage—A Story of the Municipal Park in Rumia, Poland

Climate change may affect cultural heritage in at least two ways: direct physical effects on the site, building, or structure and effects on social structures. Creating urban parks with therapeutic landscapes can mitigate some of these detrimental effects. This paper presents the revitalization of the former water forge, located in the center of Rumia, near the Tri-City agglomeration. The study focused on the history of the site and the historic manor house called “Dwór pod Lipami” and the preservation efforts. The social engagement, which led to the development of the landscape park and the construction of a talent playground, was an essential factor in the renewal process. The second part of the work presents an assessment of the therapeutic and recreational values of the new urban park using the Universal Standard for Health-Promoting Places, Community Park Audit Tool (CPAT), and mapping the users’ preferences. This operation of urban renewal resulted in creating a popular park that helps promote the health and well-being of the local community.

Natural Environment and Cultural Heritage in the City, a Sustainability Perspective

The 21st century urges us to analyze urban problems and revise its components [...]

Redefinition of Park Design Criteria as a Result of Analysis of Well-Being and Soundscape: The Case Study of the Kortowo Park (Poland)

Well-being and soundscape analysis should be useful in re-design works involved in the planning of recreational areas and green spaces on campuses to improve the health of students, academics, and university staff. Proper space planning, for example, in campus parks, including the planning of soundscape zones, is important in relieving study and work stress. The aim of the study was to conduct a multicriteria analysis of the soundscape and well-being of users in the university park on campus in Olsztyn (Poland). It was important to redefine thinking about the re-composition of park space, including reduction of noise and improving well-being. The research included: 1. measurements of sound pressure levels (SPL) at selected points in two periods, 2. interview with park users and preparation of a mental map, 3. experts’ opinion on soundscape and well-being, and 4. design schemes for re-design of the park. The results of research regarding the perception of the soundscape and well-being in Kortowo park by respondents differ slightly from the results of SPL measurements. The results also confirm the difference between SPL in the leafless and leafy period. The results show a clear relationship between the perception of sounds and well-being in the park. However, in some areas near the water, where higher noise levels are reported the respondents felt quite comfortable. Finally, design schemes are proposed, based on experts’ opinions and results of the analysis.