Visual communication is used as a channel of expression to the public and has become a central focus in research practices across various sciences due to its growing role in societies. Visual communication evolves and transforms over time. For example, in the 1980s, the methods were completely different — e.g., printed materials.
Today, the visualization, transmission, and dissemination of information are carried out through the use of "New Media," thanks to many positive factors such as speed and cost of production and distribution, quality, portable devices with advanced capabilities, as well as its popularity among younger generations.
Nowadays, due to the multiple activities they offer, urban parks require a modern approach to management, information dissemination, and communication with visitors in order to remain active and relevant.
The Purpose of Urban Parks
The Industrial Revolution and advances in technology triggered massive population movements toward cities. This led to rapid urbanization, the expansion of urban areas, and increased pressure on ecosystems. As a result, new urban spaces were created—spaces that had been entirely transformed by human activity. Urban areas are, in fact, ecosystems. In these urban ecosystems, the life cycle is sustained by maintaining a balance among the system's elements, such as landforms, climate, vegetation, animals, people, and inanimate objects.
Developed countries with stable social and economic conditions show a high level of urbanization. Many people are drawn to and reside in urban environments. Consequently, public open green spaces are crucial, as they allow cities to meet the social, urban, and technical infrastructure needs of their residents (e.g., housing, employment, education, health, and transportation) while also addressing their physiological, psychological, cognitive, aesthetic, and personal expectations.
Urban green open spaces are generally considered areas that provide the best air quality in a city and offer residents a place to relax. These open green areas create environments for public interaction and provide space for recreation, education, and exploration. They encourage urban creativity, enhance the aesthetic function of the city, beautify the urban environment, and offer opportunities for leisure and socialization. The roles of urban green spaces are mutually supportive. For example, ecological benefits in the city can lead to economic benefits, and economic development can in turn support both ecological and social gains. In this way, all elements form a chain of benefits.
Urban areas serve as ecological cells of green infrastructure and include playgrounds, sports fields, gardens, parks, plazas, pedestrian streets, and other alternative spaces. Additionally, green spaces adjacent to the city, such as botanical and zoological gardens and large parks, contribute to this network. These urban green areas function as ecological systems embedded within the city.
Urban parks, a key element of green open spaces, serve multiple purposes—including recreational and social functions, promoting public health, and improving the urban environment. Managed by local authorities, urban parks are accessible to all residents. As urbanization and dense housing increase, urban parks have begun to play a strategic role in enhancing the quality of urban life. They have gained importance by providing densely populated urban communities with opportunities to interact with nature and culture.
Typically located 1–2 kilometers from the city center and accessible by public transportation or a 15–20-minute walk, urban parks offer individuals of all ages the chance to escape the stressful urban environment and engage in various recreational activities. These are planned green areas designed for both individual and group activities such as walking, sports, rest, play, and recreation.
Finally, urban parks play a vital role in balancing the urban ecosystem. They have a significant impact on human health and provide positive effects on both the environment and city dwellers.
This is the official English version of the article originally published in Greek: “Πέρα από το Πράσινο - Εξερευνώντας τα Αστικά Πάρκα μέσω των Νέων Μέσων” — available at Zenodo.org.
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