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The biophilia hypothesis explored: regenerative urban green spaces and well-being in a Portuguese sample

2022; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 81; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/00207233.2022.2067411

1029-0400

Marina Prieto Afonso Lencastre, Diogo Guedes Vidal, Rui Estrada, Nelson Barros, Rui Leandro Maia, Paulo Farinha-Marques,

Urban Agriculture and Sustainability

This paper considers the relationship between biophilia and well-being in a sample of users of urban green spaces in the city of Porto (Portugal) as a case study. The biophilia hypothesis is explored through the responses of 131 participants in a survey. Users of urban green spaces valued their provision of quiet and shade, with a high diversity of plant species and tranquillity. The survey also found that being satisfied with urban green spaces enhances self-perceived health status, which means that being satisfied with a green space that fulfils users' expectations can be a way to improve well-being in urban areas. Creating stimulating regenerative urban green spaces offers the possibility to experience significant connections to nature.