Perception of urban parks: the influence of topography, vegetation density and park attributes on perceived safety, mystery and preference

Abstract

In this study we analysed how topography, vegetation density and selected park attributes influence features such as coherence, complexity, legibility, mystery, sense of safety and preference in the context of natural-looking urban parks. We also examined relationships with other landscape features that may affect preference. We employed a within-subjects design where participants evaluated a set of 108 eye-level computer generated photorealistic visualisations of park environments. Our sample comprised 200 participants (118 females and 82 males). Our findings suggest that flat terrain is perceived as safer. Dense vegetation increases the sense of mystery, while sparse vegetation was conducted for safety and legibility. The presence of plants in bloom and park architecture, and furniture were most preferred features of the park landscapes we studied. Park landscapes with plenty of light and visible sky were perceived as safer, while landscapes with less light and sky were thought to be more mysterious. The strongest predictors of Kaplan preference model preference were legibility, complexity and coherence. The greater the coherence and readability, the more the landscape was preferred. Landscape complexity positively influenced preference. Our findings indicate the complexity of the relationship between topography, vegetation and landscape preference, emphasising their relevance when designing attractive and safe parks with a natural feel.