The evolution of architecture and planning, spanning from the Stone Age to contemporary times, has witnessed a fascinating transition where luxury has evolved into a fundamental necessity. In the present era, the rise of smart buildings has revolutionized the way individuals connect with their built environment. These sustainable structures leverage data networks to respond to user behaviors and needs, prioritizing human well-being in their design [
8]. However, in the pursuit of creating seamless physical experiences, the digital world has, to a large extent, distanced individuals from nature, imposing an unanticipated burden on human health. In the glory of Grey structures importance of green spaces is often underestimated. The detachment from nature, facilitated by technological advancements, has disturbed internal functioning, leading to an array of physiological and psychological issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stress, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and many more. While advancements in green, smart, and intelligent building technologies have made substantial progress in achieving quantitative goals, the focus on economic and environmental performance must be complemented with qualitative goals. Researchers say that urban areas are more prone to mental disorders as there is less scope for connection with nature. UN World Urbanization Prospects estimates that by 2050 more than two-thirds of the World will live in urban areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 7.4 percent of global DALYs are caused by disorders in the mental and behavioral disorders category. It also reports that Ischaemic heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death, responsible for 16% of global fatalities. It experienced a staggering increase of over 2 million deaths in the past two decades, reaching a total of 8.9 million deaths in 2019. In 2019, Stroke, being at second position caused 11% of total deaths. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia ranked as the 7th leading cause of death. Diabetes has risen to the top 10 causes of death, with a substantial 70% increase since 2000. Kidney diseases have ascended from the 13th leading cause of death to the 10th position. Mortality rates have surged from 813,000 in 2000 to 1.3 million in 2019. For overall well-being eight pillars are very essential: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, financial, spiritual, occupational, and environmental (Nicolini E). There are tons of evidence that supports the incorporation of green spaces to acquire maximum benefits to human for overall well-being. To rekindle this essential connection, the promotion of green spaces should take precedence when formulating policies and designing any environment. In recent times, the concept of Biophilia has gained widespread recognition for its role in enhancing cognitive behavior and the overall well-being of individuals. Biophilia, first introduced by social psychologist Eric Fromm in "The Heart of Man" (1964) and popularized by biologist Edward Wilson in his book "Biophilia" (1984), posits that humans possess a biological need for a physical, mental, and social connection with nature. Initially, the focus of Biophilic designs was on the subjective outcomes of the built environment, with the primary goal of revitalizing the human connection with nature. To assess the effectiveness of these designs, researchers employed various methods such as surveys, feedback forms - Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-s), and psychometric charts to gauge individuals’ perceptions and experiences. Subsequently, physiological measures such as heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, and skin conductance resonance were incorporated to provide objective evidence supporting the positive impact of Biophilic elements on human well-being (Hossain Maghool A et al.).In parallel, the study of the relationship between humans and their environment gained popularity in the early 1900s, leading to the emergence of environmental psychology. This field aimed to comprehend how and why the environment influences human behavior and well-being and sought ways to enhance the interaction between people and their surroundings.
1.2. Psychological
Urban living places significant stress on residents due to its hectic and sedentary nature. However, when individuals visit green spaces or immerse themselves in natural landscapes for extended periods, they experience a sense of well-being and relaxation. It’s important to note that while nature cannot entirely resolve social and psychological issues, it can certainly contribute to their alleviation by fostering a stronger connection with the natural environment and green surroundings.
A study conducted by Southon and colleagues in their research has found that meadows have limited effects on human psychology, whereas the presence of a diverse array of trees strongly influences psychological well-being [
18]. Furthermore, a study by Ronghua Wang in Hangzhou City, China, revealed that specific characteristics of urban green spaces have a positive impact on human aesthetic appreciation and stress recovery. The study emphasizes that green spaces enriched with abundant trees, clean water features, and vibrant flowers not only attract people but also assist in alleviating mental stress [
21,
22]. In Barcelona, Spain, researchers conducted a study to explore the long-term effects of exposure to green and blue spaces on depression and anxiety, taking into account the mediating role of air pollution. The findings suggest that green spaces have a beneficial impact on human health. They help reduce anxiety and alleviate depression by offering clean air, reducing noise levels, providing spaces for physical activities, and encouraging social interaction [
6,
15]. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize green parks adorned with a profusion of trees and flowers when considering strategies for stress relief and aesthetic preferences.
1.5. Environmental
Urbanization has ushered in numerous opportunities for the development of social and economic well-being. However, these benefits come at a significant cost. The high price of these services, if left unchecked, could potentially bankrupt communities, depleting their natural reserves entirely. One of the consequences of urbanization is deforestation, which transforms once-lush landscapes into barren patches of land. This transformation makes these areas vulnerable to harsh elements, including the scorching heat of the sun and the erosive forces of rain, resulting in soil erosion, desertification, and land degradation.
A study conducted in Wellington City, New Zealand, a region abundant in biodiversity, concluded that architecture when guided by ecosystem services and biophilic design framework, can play a beneficial role within ecosystems. This influence extends from a technical perspective to shaping user behavior (Maibritt Pedersen Zari, 2019)[
2]. It is strongly advocated that green spaces be considered a fundamental component of urban planning, as they serve to mitigate environmental risks and safeguard human life [
4]. The synergy between green spaces and biodiversity contributes to the enhancement of the natural environment and offers protection to various species against the adverse effects of climate change, ensuring the smooth functioning of human communities [Dong & Hauschild, 2017; Mavoa et al., 2019].
Urban vegetation serves multiple purposes, such as purifying the air, reducing local temperatures through shading, fostering social interactions, and regulating the climate. Street-level vegetation acts as a natural ventilator by filtering the air and providing much-needed cooling, all while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the urban landscape. Urban greenery plays an essential role in removing pollutants from the atmosphere. In a study conducted in Strasbourg, France, it was observed that green spaces, covering 27.80% of the urban area, removed 7% of PM10 particles and a total of 88 tons of pollutants annually, underscoring their pivotal role in providing clean air for residents. While green spaces alone may not completely solve air pollution, they can help maintain a sustainable urban environment. Achieving the goal of a sustainable urban environment necessitates a balanced approach that considers both green spaces and anthropogenic sources [
17].
The composition and structure of urban green spaces, including the presence of trees, have been identified as significant factors in air filtration and climate regulation [
5]. In Almada, Portugal, studies have revealed positive correlations between urban green spaces, air purification, climate regulation, and human well-being. Proper management of green spaces has been shown to enhance their capacity to remove pollutants, reduce the urban heat island (UHI) effect, and provide nature-based solutions to environmental sustainability challenges [
7,
19]. Research conducted in Lisbon, Portugal, demonstrated that a 50 square meter area of vegetation cover could decrease the air temperature by 1 degree Celsius. In this way, urban green spaces contribute significantly to improving the well-being and livability of urban areas [
16].
Urbanization also brings forth a range of environmental issues, including air, water, noise, and land pollution. Remarkably, the very urban landscapes that contribute to these problems can also serve as solutions, with a minimal investment in awareness and care.
Pollutant Filtration: Urban landscapes act as natural filters, capturing pollutants and preventing them from contaminating stormwater runoff. This filtration process not only safeguards the destination from pollution but also reduces the volume of water that requires treatment. The purified water gradually percolates into the earth through natural filtering media, playing a pivotal role in mitigating water pollution.
Air Pollution Control: Certain plant species, such as Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa), Elm (Ulmus minor), Wild linden (Tilia cordata), among others, possess the ability to combat air pollution.
Figure 1 indicates some of the air-purifying plants with their Common Names[CN], Botanical Names [BN], and Family [F].
Noise Reduction: Thoughtfully arranged trees, especially those with varying sizes of shrubs, can reduce noise levels by up to 50%. Constructing a "wall" of trees and shrubs not only provides shade and fruit but also acts as an effective noise barrier. This approach finds particular relevance in locations like hospitals and schools.
Land Pollution Management: Increased tree planting enhances soil quality and reduces land pollution. Tree roots have the capacity to stabilize soil, reducing erosion and improving soil fertility. Water Pollution Management: Urban green spaces play a significant role in stormwater management, offering several water-related sustainable landscape benefits:
Flow Regulation: Vegetation within green spaces slows down the rate of water flow, allowing it to percolate into the ground gradually. This natural process helps prevent rapid runoff, which can lead to flooding and erosion.
Groundwater Replenishment: The presence of vegetation aids in replenishing groundwater reserves as rainwater is allowed to infiltrate into the soil, eventually recharging aquifers. This is vital for maintaining a sustainable water supply.
Reduced Irrigation Demand: Green spaces can reduce the demand for irrigation water by providing a source of natural moisture for plants. This water conservation measure contributes to overall water resource sustainability.
Natural Filtration: Vegetation acts as a natural filtering medium, preventing debris and pollutants from entering water bodies. This filtration process helps maintain water quality and reduces the need for expensive water treatment.
Soil Erosion Control: The roots of plants in green spaces stabilize the soil, effectively reducing soil erosion caused by heavy rainfall and runoff. This helps protect against land degradation and loss of valuable topsoil.
Pollution Mitigation: By capturing and retaining pollutants, such as sediments and contaminants, urban green spaces minimize the amount of harmful substances carried off properties during storm events. This helps maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems downstream.
Reduced Drainage Pressure: Incorporating green spaces into urban planning can alleviate pressure on stormwater drainage systems. By absorbing and retaining rainfall, green spaces reduce the volume of water that needs to be managed through conventional drainage infrastructure.
Cost and Energy Savings: The reduced load on stormwater systems translates into cost savings for municipalities and property owners alike. There is also less energy required for the treatment and management of stormwater at centralized facilities, contributing to sustainability efforts.
Biodiversity: Urban green spaces play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity within densely populated urban environments. These pockets of nature provide habitats and refuges for various plant and animal species that might otherwise struggle to survive in the concrete jungles of cities. By offering a diverse range of vegetation and ecosystems, from parks and gardens to wetlands and forests, urban green spaces create a mosaic of interconnected habitats that support a wide array of flora and fauna. They serve as essential corridors for wildlife movement, enabling the exchange of genetic material between isolated populations. Additionally, these green spaces often incorporate native plant species, which attract local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies some such plants are shown in
Figure 2.
The preservation of biodiversity in urban areas not only contributes to the health and resilience of local ecosystems but also enhances the overall quality of life for urban residents by providing opportunities for recreation, education, and a connection to the natural world.
Plant material with Medicinal properties: Plant materials are indispensable in the creation of vibrant urban green spaces. These plants add a dynamic range of colors and textures to the scenery, which transforms with each changing season. Beyond their aesthetic value, they possess the potential to purify the atmosphere and offer remedies for various ailments. According to Ayurveda, many plants have parts, such as fruits, flowers, bark, and roots, that can be consumed or applied to treat a multitude of diseases. Additionally, these botanical resources find extensive use in the cosmetic industry. "Ayurveda," originated in India over 5000 years ago, one of the most ancient systems of natural healing stemming from the ancient Vedic culture. It is often regarded as the "mother of all healing." Urban green spaces can incorporate several common medicinal plants to facilitate healing and well-being. Some of the commonly available medicinal trees are listed in
Figure 3 [PU] Part of tree Used for treatment, [MU] Medicinal use.