Research on public health and well-being associated to the vegetation configuration of urban green space, a case study of Shanghai, China

Abstract Urban Green Space (UGS) is widely proved to have benefits to the Public Health and Well-being (PHW) in multiple aspects. This research concentrates on the impact on PHW from specific UGS features, especially the spatial design and vegetation configuration. A field investigation with photos of the UGS scenes was conducted in 6 parks of Shanghai, China. The results show that except for occupation, the social-demographic characteristics of the respondents do not have significant influence on their PHW. Higher occupied respondents can better release stress and feel calm by visiting UGS. Accessible lawn and water body are key features of green space to increase the health and well-being. They have positive impacts on all health and mental indicators of PHW in this research. The existence of fitness facility has the significant positive effect on the PHW indicators of keeping fit and enhancing vigor. Open square is also proved can increase communication and have slightly positive effect of keeping fit. The impact of vegetation configuration on PHW varies with the type of UGS. For vegetation configuration of lawn, 2-stratum vegetation structure with height ratio above 2.5 and slightly open planting density is recommended. For vegetation configuration of water body, the respondents prefer 4-stratum with height ratio below 1.5 and high planting density. As to path in UGS, the respondents voted for 3-stratum with height ratio of 1.5−2.5. Planting density does not have significant influence on the PHW. This research can be a scientific reference for the urban management authorities to increase the habitability by optimized planning of future UGS.