Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany. Source: https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-parks-in-berlin-5180334
Survey link: https://forms.gle/DGSXsSq1ytzVLLTc6
Note: this survey is meant to be completed by residents of Berlin, but please complete the survey with your reflection of the city you consider to be home.
My research question is: Is the presence of green spaces in Berlin, Germany a positive factor for its inhabitants’ wellbeing?
My research question is asking specifically about the benefits of urban green space on human wellbeing, specifically in the city of Berlin, Germany. Human wellbeing can include a multitude of factors, including but not limited to: mental health, physical wellbeing, social wellbeing, and spiritual wellbeing. I will bring in literature addressing largely mental, physical, and social wellbeing in terms of the inhabitants of Berlin. I would like to argue that the presence of urban green spaces in Berlin are integral to the wellbeing of inhabitants as well as visitors. I would argue that urban green spaces offer an opportunity for stress alleviation through vital human-nature interaction and outdoor socialization. I will include literature on the emotional regulatory benefits of green spaces, particularly in urban areas.
My survey will aim to understand the importance of green spaces to the general public in Berlin and interpret if they can self-recognize some of the mental health benefits of visiting these spaces. I will also seek out if survey respondents have any favorite spots in Berlin, which I will use to create a Storymap of Berlin’s green spaces. An interesting insight into the cultural benefits of green spaces includes the ability for refugees and asylum seekers, who make up a large population in Berlin, to have a space for outdoor socialization and for refugee camps and protests (Rishbeth et al., 2019). Another key part of my research is the shift in public perception of the benefits of green spaces during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. This massive change in people’s daily routines and stay at home orders left people longing for an escape and drew many to parks and other green spaces, especially to socialize at a healthy distance (Collins et al., 2022; Säumel & Sanft, 2022).
References:
Collins, C., Haase, D., Heiland, S., & Kabisch, Dn. (2022). Urban green space interaction and wellbeing – investigating the experience of international students in berlin during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 70, 127543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127543
Kabisch, N., & Haase, D. (2014). Green justice or just green? Provision of urban green spaces in Berlin, Germany. Landscape and Urban Planning, 122, 129–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2013.11.016
Landor-Yamagata, J., Kowarik, I., & Fischer, L. (2018). Urban Foraging in Berlin: People, Plants and Practices within the Metropolitan Green Infrastructure. Sustainability, 10(6), 1873. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10061873
Riechers, M., Strack, M., Barkmann, J., & Tscharntke, T. (2019). Cultural Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Green Change along an Urban-Periurban Gradient. Sustainability, 11(3), 645. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11030645
Rishbeth, C., Blachnicka-Ciacek, D., & Darling, J. (2019). Participation and wellbeing in urban greenspace: “curating sociability” for refugees and asylum seekers. Geoforum, 106, 125–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2019.07.014
Säumel, I., Hogrefe, J., Battisti, L., Wachtel, T., & Larcher, F. (2021). The healthy green living room at one’s doorstep? Use and perception of residential greenery in Berlin, Germany. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 58, 126949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126949
Säumel, I., & Sanft, S. J. (2022). Crisis mediated new discoveries, claims and encounters: Changing use and perception of residential greenery in multistory housing in Berlin, Germany. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 74, 127622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127622
Haneen El Sharif February 18, 2023
Thank you Sophie for introducing this delightful research topic in a clear and concise manner. I would like to begin by saying that I have always thought of green spaces to have a great positive impact on the environment, but never quite considered how they would impact the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of people. I must say I agree with your argument that urban green spaces in Berlin play a significant role in the wellbeing of inhabitants and visitors, especially that they allow for stress reduction. So, green spaces are evidently good for mental health. However, I do wonder, could there also be unconsidered negative effects on mental health? I would like to share with you the idea that the presence of urban green spaces in certain areas undeniably increase nearby property values, in-turn creating areas that are prone to gentrification. As a result, this can put pressure on minority or low-income neighborhoods in Berlin, which would have a negative impact on the mental and social well-being of inhabitants. Do you think more attention should be directed towards the possible negative effects of green spaces in Berlin?
Luna Al Mallah February 19, 2023
Thank you Sophie for your thorough introduction on this topic. Your research was clearly very thought out and you made sure to include as many aspects of relation as possible which I appreciated. Urban green spaces in Berlin are definitely the most eye catching element in Berlin. People that have visited probably have no idea about all the benefits they are getting from just being in those spaces. I am a very spiritual person and my dream home is somewhere alone on a green mountain. As a spiritual person myself, I couldn’t agree more on your argument. Green as a color within itself is a color of joy, happiness, and openness. Just being surrounded by trees and the greenery genuinely makes you feel like you are able to take a breathe of fresh air. When you’re there, you feel like you’re breathing. That feeling that you get is because you are literally breathing fresh oxygen but at the same time it is a feeling of serotonin and feeling like you are alive, and at peace. Which is why I try my best to do my meditations in a park, I feel its the place where I almost feel like I am reborn, almost like a fresh start. That is also why it made sense to me and was not a shock that a lot of people visit. When it comes to social well-being however, I do wonder are those spaces really made for social gatherings and parties of people? Or would people just prefer if everyone minded their own business in those spaces so they could take some time off and relax on their own? How does the social well-being aspect really play into effect here?
Sarah Qaddumi February 19, 2023
Hi Sophie, I appreciate you bringing some clarity to such a complex issue. Green places are not only very interesting but also quite therapeutic for certain types of individuals. Remarkable are the impacts that they have, not only on the environment in and of itself, but also on human beings. When it comes to the advantages for mental health, I fully agree with you because it is widely acknowledged that they help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression while also improving mental health as a whole. In addition to the improved physical advantages, green spaces may stimulate activities such as walking, jogging, and a wide variety of other activities that take place outside. On the other hand, green areas are known to be homes for new invasive species to come forth, which might disturb some ecosystems; do you know what we can do to help prevent or potentially minimize the likelihood of this happening?
Alexoliver September 11, 2023
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