Tag

Green Spaces

All articles tagged with #green spaces

Revamping Malls: From Retail Giants to Community Spaces

As traditional shopping malls decline due to the rise of e-commerce, many U.S. cities are repurposing these spaces into parks and mixed-use developments. This transformation not only addresses the loss of retail spaces but also enhances urban environments by increasing green spaces, which offer numerous health and environmental benefits. Despite challenges like funding and zoning, these projects can revitalize communities, reduce urban heat, and manage stormwater, ultimately reshaping urban landscapes for a more sustainable future.

via Planetizen|

#e-commerce #green-spaces #malls

environment-and-health1 year ago•5 min saved

Satellites Reveal Nature's Healing Power

Kathy Willis, a professor of biodiversity, highlights the significant impact of green spaces on mental and physical health, as revealed by satellite data. Studies using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) show that greener environments correlate with lower rates of depression and reduced respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The loss of urban trees has been linked to increased mortality from these conditions. These findings underscore the importance of preserving natural environments for public health benefits.

via Livescience.com|

#biodiversity #environment-and-health #green-spaces

health-and-wellness1 year ago•3 min saved

"The Impact of Green Spaces on Children's Bone Health"

A new study from Hasselt University in Belgium suggests that children living within walking distance of green spaces have stronger and healthier bones, with those in the greenest areas showing higher bone mineral density. The study, which followed 327 children aged 4 to 6, found that proximity to tall green spaces like parks or forests was associated with significant bone density gains, regardless of factors like weight, ethnicity, and diet. The findings highlight the potential long-term impact of early-life exposure to green spaces on bone health, emphasizing the role urban planners can play in promoting children's bone strength through access to nature.

via ScienceAlert|

#bone-density #childrens-health #green-spaces

health-and-environment2 years ago•3 min saved

"Nature's Impact: How Living Closer to Nature Benefits Older Adults"

A study from Washington State University suggests that living closer to green and blue spaces can benefit older adults' mental and physical health. The research found that even small increases in nature near one's home can lead to improved mental and general health. The study focused on the relationship between serious psychological distress and proximity to green and blue spaces, and the findings suggest that exposure to nature could help prevent, delay, or treat poor mental health in older adults. The researchers hope their work will help adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds feel better in old age, especially since such individuals usually have unequal access to green and blue spaces in urban areas.

via Study Finds|

#green-spaces #health-and-environment #mental-health

health-and-wellness2 years ago•3 min saved

"Stair Climbing and Living Near Nature: Keys to Improving Health, Studies Show"

New studies suggest that cycling can improve mental health, especially in low-income minority students, while climbing just 50 stairs a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Living near parks or lakes, known as green and blue spaces, can also benefit mental health. Additionally, the Apple Watch series 6 can track sunlight exposure, which is important for sleep and vitamin D levels. Lastly, practicing mindfulness, even through apps, can help reduce stress and negative emotions in children, providing long-term mental health benefits.

via Yahoo Life|

#cycling #green-spaces #health-and-wellness

architecture2 years ago•3 min saved

"House CX3: A Stunning Architectural Masterpiece by LM Arkylab"

The CX3 House, located in the Tierraverde condominium in Aguascalientes, Mexico, is a single-family residence designed to enhance family and social interaction. The house features interconnected spaces that integrate with the surrounding green areas, creating different environments for various uses. The ground floor has an introverted façade with a main pedestrian access slanted towards the north, while the interior includes a social area with integrated living, dining, and kitchen spaces that open up to gardens and terraces. The upper floor houses the bedrooms, with the master bedroom centered around a garden and complemented by a dressing room and bathroom. The project balances exposed concrete walls on the ground floor with special brick walls on the upper floor, along with wooden beams and natural materials throughout.

via ArchDaily|

#architecture #design #green-spaces

environment2 years ago•7 min saved

"Beating the Heat: Smart Strategies for Cities, Power Grids, and Individuals"

Satellite images captured by the International Space Station reveal the impact of green spaces, white road surfaces, and water features in helping cities cool down during heatwaves. These images are valuable assets for city planners as heat-related deaths continue to rise. The data can be used to identify hotspots, vulnerable regions, and assess the cooling impacts of heat mitigation approaches. Simple adjustments such as installing more green spaces, planting trees, and painting concrete surfaces white have proven effective in combating trapped heat. Cities like Paris, Seville, Rotterdam, and Athens have implemented innovative strategies to combat heatwaves, including creating cool islands, installing awnings and fountains, and planting vegetation on rooftops. Future satellite technology aims to provide even higher resolution images for more detailed planning.

via BBC|

#climate-resilience #environment #green-spaces

science2 years ago•1 min saved

"The Healing Power of Nature: Unveiling the Science Behind its Antidepressant Effects"

Spending time in green and blue spaces, such as parks and bodies of water, has been scientifically proven to have numerous health benefits, including reduced blood pressure and improved cognition and mental health. In Singapore, a luxury hotel incorporates greenery into its design, providing a soothing environment for guests and passersby.

via National Geographic|

#blue-spaces #green-spaces #health-benefits

health-and-environment2 years ago•3 min saved

The Life-Extending Benefits of Living near Green Spaces

Living near green spaces may increase life expectancy by an average of 2.5 years, according to a study published in Science Advances. The research examined the impact of long-term exposure to greenery on biological aging among over 900 participants in four US cities. The study found that proximity to green spaces caused molecular changes in the blood that can affect aging. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating nature into daily life and viewing green spaces as essential infrastructure for human health. However, further research is needed to understand the specific benefits of different types and qualities of green spaces.

via The Washington Post|

#biological-aging #green-spaces #health-and-environment

city-development2 years ago•6 min saved

Top U.S. Cities' Park Systems Ranked and Compared.

Dallas has jumped 10 spots in the ParkScore ranking, a respected national index of local park systems in the 100 largest U.S. cities, from 53 to 43. The ranking is based on five components: access, equity, acreage, investment, and amenities. Dallas outperformed most of the biggest Texas cities, with Plano ranking the highest among Texas cities at 16. The improvement is attributed to new investments and amenities, including dog parks, new basketball hoops, playgrounds, and benches, welcoming water fountains and signage at trailheads, and splash pads in underserved neighborhoods. The city spends $124 per person on its park system, compared to last year’s $109, according to the index.

via The Dallas Morning News|

#city-development #dallas #green-spaces

architecture2 years ago•3 min saved

"Tivoligasse's Woody M Buildings: A Modern Architectural Marvel"

The Woody M Buildings Tivoligasse in Vienna, designed by Freimüller Söllinger Architektur, is a mixed-use residential building with 85 apartments, a parking garage, and a supermarket in its base. The building is constructed entirely of solid wood and features landscaped gardens and green open spaces for residents and the public. The stepped wooden houses are positioned to allow maximum privacy for residents while also providing quality terraces and urban vistas. The innovative construction and materials used in the building are sustainable and allow for the dismantling of the building once necessary.

via ArchDaily|

#architecture #green-spaces #mixed-use

architecture2 years ago•2 min saved

FORT7 House: A Modern Architectural Marvel.

The FORT7 House, designed by Takeshi Ishiodori Architecture, is a long and narrow house located in a densely populated area close to downtown Miyazaki City. The client's desire for a green-filled living space was achieved by designing the house with three courtyards, each with its own distinct design and role to play. The house is designed to embrace nature, with uninterrupted views of the entire property from the main garden in the south to the bedroom in the north. The creation of living environments that allow us to coexist with plants and nature even in urban areas is becoming an important issue that we need to address in the future.

via ArchDaily|

#architecture #courtyards #green-spaces