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Green view

It costs us less energy to be in a green environment than in a built-up environment. In nature we find many repetitive patterns and harmonic relationships. Our visual system easily processes these, leaving us with more ‘space’ for other tasks. Biologically speaking, we are ‘used to’ a green environment. Such an environment therefore has a calming effect.

Research shows that variation in planting and a human scale are important to feel comfortable in the outdoor space. A view of a biodiverse landscape has more effect than a view of a bare (grass) plain without trees and shrubs. By designed placement of trees, a more pleasant environment can be created in an open space or on a large square.

Green noise barriers contribute to a designed landscape, and provide habitat for biodiversity. The total desired experience is enhanced by combining the sight of greenery with the other senses such as hearing, smell, and taste.

If the inclusion of larger green structures or trees is not possible, one can also opt for several short experiences of greenery. For example, in planting along routes with a high flow of pedestrians, opt for greenery in several places: against facades, in pots, on a small scale, or in surprising places such as water. Even short moments of experiencing nature make us happy and calm.

From the window

In a built-up environment with variations in building height, one often has a view of (lower) roofs, facades and streets. A view of a green roof instead of a bitumen or gravel roof is much more pleasant.

Green views are worth money

Real estate with a view of greenery may enhance the real estate value by 5 to 15%. In addition, visually appealing greenery attracts customers, who tend to stay longer and spend more.

Privacy

Research shows that nature that is semi-open, a bit lush and not too wild or too neat, is experienced by most people as the most beautiful. Semi-open offers us the pleasant primal feeling of having a view, combined with the safety of shelter.

Customer journey

‘Customer journey’ is a method of design in which people are central. From the point of view of different users, think through the most important routes in an area or city. This can start at the front door, in the car park, the entrance to the shopping centre or the exit of the station area. Green immediately exudes a natural image. It provides permanently visible promotion of the  green calling card of the city.

Year-round

In nature, we can observe growth processes and changing seasons. Many people experience this variety as a pleasant distraction in their daily lives. It is especially recommended to consider this for the elderly or sick when adding greenery close to home. Brighter and vibrant colours work well for this.

With flower bulbs we can enhance the colour experience. By planting several types of bulbs in layers that follow each other in their time of flowering, the flowering season is extended.

By applying suitable planting, birds and butterflies are attracted to public space.

Faded flowers can be beautiful. Especially in winter, frozen grasses, flowers, or branches create a beautiful picture. By leaving the flowers in place, the seed provides food for many animals, including birds. Select perennials that do not have extremely long and sturdy flower stems. Snapped stems can be an pleasant sight.

Recognition

Plants can be used to recognise certain traffic situations such as intersections and roundabouts.

In new housing estates, it is often difficult to find your way around, because houses and streets look alike. For visitors, the elderly, patients with a form of dementia, and children, it makes sense to plant different tree types or colour borders in the streets. This contributes to a better orientation in the neighbourhood and recognition of one’s own street. In addition, a diversity of plants ensures more biodiversity in the area.

Especially for the elderly, it is important to be outside in daylight (vitamin D), to exercise, and to meet others. Recognisable (often fragrant) plants from early childhood can help with this. Also consider creating and highlighting safe sections with a clear structure and smooth light-coloured paths that contrast with the soil.

Animal Watching

People appreciate seeing nature in the city. In addition to seeing greenery and flowers, we also have a visual preference for seeing non-threatening animals such as birds and butterflies.

People enjoy the beautiful colours of butterflies. Butterflies do need caterpillars first, and plant selection is important in supporting the whole life cycle. Create the right space for ‘seeing nature in the city’ circumstances.

Colour

An outdoor space (park, garden, etc.) is usually built for the longer term, while specific colour trends often change from year to year. Design to especially apply colours that match the use or the environment. For example, white and cool colours for a more relaxed atmosphere, warm colours for vibrancy at a meeting place. Or choose timeless, harmonious colour contrasts.

Greenery can be used to accentuate certain architectural elements in the outdoor space. Plants can be used that add extra colour through foliage, colour or flowering.

Camouflage

A well as accentuating elements, greenery can also be used as a solution to hide less attractive elements or activities in the outdoor space and add beauty in their place.