Which characteristics and integrations between characteristics in blue–green spaces influence the nature experience?

This study aims to investigate the impact of characteristics in blue–green spaces and integrations between characteristics on people’s preference for nature experience (perception of and interaction with nature). A total of 795 participants performed two sets of twelve choice tasks, each task presenting two photographs where eight characteristics were manipulated. Participants indicated which photograph was preferred for perception of and interaction with nature, respectively. Conjoint analysis was used to analyze the data. Water features were the most important characteristic, followed by bushes, upkeep, and trees. Integrating wildlife, peers, flowers, and paths with vegetation and water features can improve their attractiveness for nature experience. Upkeep should be prioritized in the single green space, but the integration between water features and bushes or trees in the blue–green space appeared to be most important. Through the design and integration of different characteristics, our research results contribute to the construction of nature experience environments in blue–green spaces.