Seasonal variation in preference for green roof vegetation

Abstract

Green roofs are vegetation systems that are particularly well-suited to dense urban environments, and can contribute multiple ecosystem services that support biodiversity, human health, and well-being. Several health benefits are dependent on the way that people perceive the characteristics of the vegetation on the green roof, that is, their environmental appraisal. In this study we set out to explore the effects of different types of green roof vegetation, along with seasonal and successional variations, on visual aesthetical experiences, as well as perceived biodiversity. An online photo elicitation survey was conducted using standardised photographs of a selection of green roofs in Malm & ouml;, Sweden, during three different seasons. In the survey, members of the public were asked to evaluate different aesthetic qualities, and to estimate biodiversity and the stress reducing capacity for each photograph. Results showed statistical differences among roof types and by season and successional stage in terms of perceived colour, perceived biodiversity, aesthetic quality, and restorative effects, where the observed differences in perceived values were largely driven by the colour frame of the green roof. Lower scores were associated with a high percentage of red or brown-red shades (p<0.001), while higher scores were associated with a high percentages of green or white (p<0.001). The results of the study therefore have the potential to inform green roof management strategies.

Keywords

urban biodiversity; ecosystem services; aesthetics; restorative effect; colour

Published in

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
2024, volume: 12, article number: 1346397
Publisher: FRONTIERS MEDIA SA

SLU Authors

• Thorpert, Petra

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Ode Sang, Åsa

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Buffam, Ishi

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Global goals (SDG)

SDG3 Good health and well-being

UKÄ Subject classification

Landscape Architecture
Ecology
Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2024.1346397

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/131116