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Tranquillity in Urban Classical Chinese Gardens and Modern Parks: The Effect of Natural and Contextual Features

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  • Lawal M. Marafa

    (Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China)

  • Zhe Wang

    (Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China)

  • Felix K. H. Tsang

    (Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

Parks and green spaces are an integral part of many urban areas. Such spaces offer a variety of psychological, physical and social benefits promoting a stronger sense of community and allowing people to cope better with everyday stress. These parks are often designed to provide tranquillity for people, and it is now an emerging area of policy in the promotion of quality of life. Tranquillity is considered a natural asset. Although they are vital, tranquil spaces are under threat, and it is, therefore, important to identify and understand such places so that they can be further planned and managed for the benefits that they provide. This study conceptualises the understanding of tranquillity and determines the extent to which a tranquil environment can be achieved. The study identified six parks referred to as “modern parks (MPs)” and “classical Chinese gardens (CCGs)”. Three parks each are located in Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Questionnaires were used to ascertain the importance of tranquil areas and the contribution of park components towards tranquillity. This study investigates the contribution of park elements that include both natural and contextual features. Furthermore, park characteristics and park elements were similarly identified. There were clear differences between natural and contextual features in terms of their potential contribution towards park users’ perceived tranquillity. There is also a striking importance and potential contribution of contextual features within classical Chinese gardens in relation to perceived tranquillity. This study concludes that there is the need to continue to enhance the quality of park spaces with regard to fostering tranquillity in urban areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Lawal M. Marafa & Zhe Wang & Felix K. H. Tsang, 2022. "Tranquillity in Urban Classical Chinese Gardens and Modern Parks: The Effect of Natural and Contextual Features," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-21, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:15:p:9555-:d:879529
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Yanlong Guo & Xuemei Jiang & Linfu Zhang & Han Zhang & Zuoqing Jiang, 2022. "Effects of Sound Source Landscape in Urban Forest Park on Alleviating Mental Stress of Visitors: Evidence from Huolu Mountain Forest Park, Guangzhou," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-22, November.
    2. Lina Yan & Yile Chen & Liang Zheng & Yi Zhang & Xiao Liang & Chun Zhu, 2023. "Intelligent Generation Method and Sustainable Application of Road Systems in Urban Green Spaces: Taking Jiangnan Gardens as an Example," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-80, February.
    3. Huishu Chen & Li Yang, 2023. "Analysis of Narrative Space in the Chinese Classical Garden Based on Narratology and Space Syntax—Taking the Humble Administrator’s Garden as an Example," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-22, August.

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