REVITALISING PUBLIC SPACES AND WELL-BEING THROUGH WATERSCAPES
14 Feb 2024
In the hustle and bustle of urban life, the inclusion of water features in public spaces not only enhances aesthetic value but also provides a multitude of physical and mental health benefits. As cities continue to grow, the strategic integration of water into urban landscapes becomes crucial, offering a respite from the concrete jungle and addressing the challenges posed by urbanisation.
While extensive research has highlighted the positive effects of greenspace on community well-being, the emergence of urban blue space introduces another avenue for enhancing public health and the environment through thoughtful landscape design. One prominent theory supporting the positive effects of water in urban settings is the ‘blue mind theory’. Coined by marine biologist and researcher Wallace J Nichols, the Blue Mind Theory proposes that being near, in, or underwater can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. 
Urban features serving as stunning visual landmarks become places to gather, play, cool down, and connect, offering an escape from the sensory overload of city centres. Elements such as fountains, ground sprays, decorative water features, and ponds play a vital role in masking traffic noise, mitigating pollution, and promoting cognitive restoration. Research suggests that incorporating artificial water features in city centers or parks offers additional advantages, including improved attention restoration, increased park usage by adolescents, and reduced sedentary behaviours among children. 
As temperatures rise, posing threats to health and well-being, water features become indispensable for cooling public spaces. They foster an inclusive environment, providing everyone with a place to cool down and effectively mitigate the urban heat island effect. Pioneering research conducted by UNSW Sydney and Sydney Water illustrates that the installation of features such as sprinklers, fountains, misters, and water curtains significantly lowers temperatures, reduces peak electricity demand, and contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering CO2 emissions. Their findings also highlight the potential to decrease the mortality rate during heat waves by almost 50%. 
Architectural water features not only make a visual impact but also draw families into spaces, transforming them into vibrant, inclusive hubs. The design versatility of water features ranges from ground sprays that shoot streams of water to curved helixes seamlessly blending with the environment. The incorporation of luminaries and glow features further transforms spaces into architectural attractions, transitioning seamlessly from day to night. Interactive elements and playful misting contribute to a design that encourages urban play and promotes health in the landscape. 
For those interested in creating an urban oasis in their pocket park or city center, Urban Play offers expertise and solutions to bring these visions to life. Their line of urban water features harnesses the tactile, visual, and auditory elements of moving water to infuse modern landscapes with beauty. Get in touch with Urban Play to elevate your urban experience with captivating water features.
For more information, visit Urban Play
