The expansion of urbanization leads to increases in urban populations and manmade constructions. Likewise, problems like changing local climates negatively affect urban heat islands and human outdoor thermal comfort. This paper is based on recent studies on the effects of green spaces and plants on the microclimate and thermal comfort of recent years. The topics studied included physical properties of plants, location and vegetation cover, planting densities and crown density, plant element, leaf type, planting patterns and arrangement, and Albedo. The results of the review revealed that several factors with effects on the cooling effect of plants have not received adequate attention in previous studies yet. These include the effects of patterns, arrangement of various plant species, different tree forms and shrubs, the distribution and connection of green space patches in the landscape, the direction of the planting rows in different wind conditions, among others. By the end of this review, suggestions could be made about what possible future studies could undertake to do by way of adopting more precise and comprehensive approaches to different characteristics of plants, different landscape patterns, and the effects of different arrangements of elements in terms of microclimate improvement.
This study seeks to find appropriate landscape patterns of campus based on students’ preferences. A photo questionnaire containing scenes of different types of campus landscapes was distributed among 200 students in University of Tabriz, Iran. The results emphasized the importance of vegetation, seating areas and water features of campuses. Also, students prefer open spaces consisting of lawn and grass (M = 3.31, S.D. = 1.00). Students also prefer a campus, which has a natural base, landscape elements and seating places, while the least preferred (M = 2.96, S.D. = 0.89) scenes comprise a large amount of hardscape. Students had a different preference for landscaping of open study area and leisure time place where the studying area should be designed with vertical natural elements. Shading trees and benches were also highlighted as very important furniture for these places. In terms of spatial organization, the content analysis revealed that these areas should be open and spacious. Places for leisure time need to be decorated with informal landscape design for creating a pleasant view. Designing a landscape with various forms will make these places more pleasant. Scenes of curved paths and colourful plants for these places showed a positive association with student socialization activities.
The number of malls in Malaysia has not only increased dramatically, but they have also been subject to continual expansion over the past few years. Despite this rate of expansion, there has not been enough attention paid to the quality of the spaces and interior landscaping of the malls on the basis of people's preferences. This study aimed to bring out people's preferences towards interior public spaces at shopping malls. Using a photo questionnaire, the results pointed to three major dimensions: the green dimension, the seating dimension, and the business dimension in open spaces of shopping malls where the green dimension received the highest preference. The green dimension includes water features, trees, plants, and shrubs. Moreover, legibility and coherence affected people's preferences for open spaces in shopping malls. People did not prefer the business dimension to spending leisure times, involving business equipment in shopping malls. The study suggested that shopping malls should be designed as truly public spaces with ample public areas. Green elements and water features should be used more in shopping mall public places. Moreover, policy makers can expand the "shopping town" approach for people's leisure in malls that should include characteristics such as rivers or waterfalls with a dynamic water flow, famous places, public libraries, gardens, town activities, and cultural activities.
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