Abstract

FONSECA, Fernando; GONCALVES, Artur  and  RODRIGUES, Orlando. Behaviours and perceptions related to Green spaces in the city of Bragança (Portugal). Finisterra [online]. 2010, n.89, pp.119-139. ISSN 0430-5027.

In an era of intense urbanisation, green spaces have become elements of ever greater importance for the quality of the urban environment. How do citizens perceive these spaces? Which behavioural patterns do they exhibit? Which key advantages and limitations do they most often associate with these spaces? This article presents the results of a study undertaken in the city of Bragança, which aimed at assessing how the city’s resident population perceives and uses its public green spaces. Among other conclusions, it was found: i) that the various social groups exhibit different use patterns; ii) that these use patterns are strongly characterised by seasonality; iii) that age is a significant determinant of the degree of preference for, alternatively, built facilities and natural elements; and iv) that the city’s inhabitants consider the local green spaces to be of generally good quality, and generally acknowledge most of their social and environmental benefits.

Keywords : Green spaces; urban environment; social perceptions; behaviours; Bragança.

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