Exploring Citizens’ Aesthetic Perception in Urban Green Space Design: A Study of Ornamental Trees and Shrubs Distribution in Bushehr, Iran

Subject Areas : Journal of Ornamental Plants

Reza Amareh ¹ , Behzad Kaviani ^{2 *} , Shahram Sedaghathoor ³ , Mohammadsadegh Allahyari ⁴

1 - Department of Horticultural Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
2 - Department of Horticultural Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
3 - Department of Horticultural Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
4 - Department of Agricultural Management, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran

Received: 2024-03-23 Accepted : 2024-05-29 Published : 2024-06-22

Keywords: Aesthetics, Shrubs, Trees, Urban green space,

Abstract :

Expanding and restoring urban green spaces represent a growing social demand among citizens in developing countries. However, in Iran, these efforts face significant challenges due to the country's arid regions and the heightened expectations of people regarding visual and environmental quality. The selection of tree species in urban landscape design plays a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic, emotional, and environmental aspects of urban areas. To evaluate the impact of ornamental trees and shrubs in Bushehr's urban space, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted with a statistical sample of 200 Bushehri citizens, focusing on five species: Bougainvillea sp., Ficus elastica, Conocarpus erectus, Clerodendrum inerme, and Dodonea viscosa. Analysis revealed that "emotional feeling" and "perceived environmental beauty" constituted 70.9% of society’s aesthetic perception variance. Additionally, Friedman’s nonparametric test highlighted significant differences in society’s aesthetic perception of the studied trees, with respondents noting higher perceived cognitive beauty in Bougainvillea sp. and F. elastica. Effective selection of plant species for urban green spaces not only enhances visual appeal but also positively impacts people’s emotional well-being. This requires a thorough consideration of environmental factors and emotional responses. By integrating these concepts into the design, along with raising awareness of arid region species, satisfaction with urban spaces can be partially increased.

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