The treachery of green images? Using modular green system to analyse the gap between image perceptions and greenspace user behaviour

While user preferences for green space design have long remained a key subject of inquiry, most studies rely on evaluations of images due to the many challenges of creating actual green spaces for experimentation. However, researchers are increasingly aware of potential discrepancies between image perceptions and actual user behaviour, and many have thus called for more empirical analysis of how users actually interact with different green patterns to make knowledge of greenery design more valid. Although the difficulty of reconfiguring greenery in real open spaces has limited studies comparing image perceptions and actual visitors’ use, recent technological innovations in green infrastructure have made it possible to easily alter greenery layouts and compare the effectiveness of green space designs. Using both photo representations and a modular green system, we empirically tested and compared subject use and evaluations of three greenery patterns: no greenery (NO), open greenery (OP) and enveloping greenery (EN). Although the OP pattern was the most favourably evaluated on the basis of photos, our results indicate that the EN pattern has a significantly positive relationship with the number of visitors, compared with the OP and NO patterns. This finding suggests that subjective perceptions of photos or collages may not correspond to preferable greenery designs for users. Therefore, when developing new green spaces, the gap between images and actual use should be kept in mind and empirical design studies should be conducted in situ to make open spaces more attractive.