COS 36-2 - Dream streetscapes: Understanding aesthetic preferences for ecological urban plantings

Abstract: Quality urban green spaces provide a multitude of social and environmental benefits. Yet integrating diverse vegetation into urban areas can be difficult due to space and budget constraints. Naturalistic plantings in streetscapes offer the opportunity to improve the quality of urban green spaces without increased land use or maintenance costs. These most commonly appear as meadow-style plantings, which have gained popularity in urban areas across temperate Europe and North America. However, naturalistic plantings in a Mediterranean climate are very different. Here, a diversity of drought tolerant trees and shrubs are used, and public response to these plantings is largely unknown. Therefore, we sought to better understand public aesthetic preferences for naturalistic plantings in a drying Mediterranean climate. It is essential to understand preferences for urban greening, as aesthetic urban landscapes gain council and public support, and maximise health and wellbeing benefits. To assess preferences, we conducted an online survey in Perth, Australia. Respondents (n = 985) were asked to rate 32 computer-generated images of different woody plantings that differed in structure, flower presence, foliage colour, and visual symmetry. An image of lawn, representing a typical low-quality streetscape, was also included. Prior to the survey half the respondents were provided with rationale for planting woody plants in streetscapes (i.e., the Woody Meadow Project). Respondents were asked demographic questions and questions to capture environmental world views. Results showed all naturalistic woody plantings were preferred over lawn. The most preferred planting had multiple structural layers (low, mid, and taller vegetation), flowers, and mixed grey foliage, which was liked by 90% of respondents. In contrast, lawn was disliked by 87% of respondents. This has positive implications for the design of ecologically informed urban plantings that provide mutually supportive outcomes for people and nature. Preferences for naturalistic plantings were stronger from respondents with pro-environmental world views and greater plant knowledge, highlighting the importance of environmental education initiatives. Lastly, preferences were also stronger from respondents residing in suburbs with high tree cover. This offers local councils the opportunity to pioneer a more diverse, naturalistic urban landscape through leading by example in urban landscapes. This research will ensure future plantings can meet both social and ecological requirements, to improve the sustainability and liveability of our urban landscapes.