HOW CAN URBAN DESIGN PROMOTE NATURE CONNECTEDNESS?

A CASE FOR PHYGITALIZATION

Abstract

This study reviews current knowledge on the role that urban design plays in promoting nature connectedness and discusses the underexplored value of phygitalization for the reconnection of the urban population with nature. Promoting nature connectedness in the city matters, given that most human population lives in cities, and people who feel more connected with nature tend to draw more health benefits from it and are more supportive of nature conservation action. In this study, we analyze three distinct trends in discussions about the design of urban green space and its impact on nature connectedness among urban dwellers. Firstly, we highlight literature that is concerned with the relation between the spatial qualities of urban green space, namely its dimension, diversity, connectivity, and design style, and the intensity of nature contact among the urban population. Secondly, we review studies that draw attention to the impact of the sensory and affective qualities of urban nature sites in the perception and appreciation of natural biodiversity and the health benefits of nature, and the implications of such studies for urban design. Lastly, we draw attention to the growing number of experiments that apply extended reality and digital platforms to increase engagement with urban nature sites, and we discuss what this might mean in terms of promoting nature connectedness. We conclude the study by discussing the potential and limitations of phygitalizing urban nature sites.