"Successful parks are shaped not only by physical design, but by understanding how people experience, use and value them. This interdisciplinary study provides an evidence-based understanding of the relationship between Athenians and their public parks, creating a foundation for future landscape architecture, urban planning and public policy."
A Collaborative Research Initiative
The Athens Metropolitan Parks Study was developed as a collaborative interdisciplinary initiative exploring the relationship between residents and urban public parks across the metropolitan area of Athens.
Commissioned by LAMDA Labs and developed by 1830 lab, the study brought together expertise in urban sociology, climate resilience, landscape architecture, public participation and strategic communication. The project combined quantitative social research with interdisciplinary knowledge to generate evidence that can support the future planning, design and management of public green spaces.
Recognising that successful parks depend as much on people's experiences as on their physical characteristics, the study sought to understand how Athenians use parks, what they value most, which barriers they encounter and how public green spaces contribute to wellbeing, social cohesion and urban resilience.
Evidence-Based Public Space Planning
The research examined the role of parks as:
- places of everyday life
- spaces for recreation
- environments for social interaction
- opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Through a representative quantitative survey of residents across Attica, the study documented patterns of park use, accessibility, perceptions, expectations and priorities for future improvements. It also explored issues of inclusivity, environmental justice and the contribution of parks to public health and climate resilience.
Rather than producing abstract recommendations, the research established a robust evidence base capable of informing future landscape architecture, urban planning and public policy.
From Research to Decision-Making
The findings highlighted several priorities for improving Athens' public parks, including increased biodiversity, more shaded spaces, better accessibility, improved maintenance, greater safety and more inclusive public environments.
By translating residents' experiences into measurable evidence, the study supports more informed decision-making and demonstrates how research can strengthen the planning and design of future public spaces.
An Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The project brought together organisations working across research, climate policy, social innovation and spatial planning.
The collaboration included:
- LAMDA Labs – Project Commissioner
- 1830 lab – Project Development and Coordination
- Impact Hub Athens – Quantitative Research and Public Participation
- Lenio Myrivili – Climate Resilience Strategic Advisor
- Dimitra Theochari - ensphere GmbH – Landscape Architecture Support and Visual Communication
This interdisciplinary structure enabled the project to combine scientific research, public participation and design thinking into a shared evidence base for future urban green space policies.
My Contribution
As Landscape Architect at ensphere GmbH, I contributed to selected aspects of the project from a landscape architecture perspective.
My role focused on supporting methodology discussions during the development of the project framework, contributing spatial and landscape architectural perspectives to interdisciplinary conversations on the relationship between people, public space and urban nature.
In addition, I developed the complete set of infographics and visual communication materials for the publication, translating complex research findings into clear, accessible and visually coherent graphics that supported the communication and dissemination of the study.
My contribution focused on strengthening the interface between research, landscape architecture and visual communication, while the quantitative research, data collection and analysis were undertaken by the project's core research team.
The Athens Metropolitan Parks Study demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping better public spaces. By combining quantitative research, climate resilience expertise, landscape architecture and visual communication, the project provides an evidence-based foundation for creating more inclusive, healthier and climate-responsive parks that respond to the everyday needs of Athens' residents.
Project Information
- Project
- Athens Metropolitan Parks Study
- Project Type
- Research · Urban Sociology · Public Participation · Strategic Advisory · Visual Communication
- Commissioned by
- LAMDA Labs
- Developed by
- 1830 lab
- Project Partners
- LAMDA Labs · 1830 lab · Impact Hub Athens · Lenio Myrivili · ensphere GmbH
- Location
- Athens, Greece
- Project Duration
- 2025
- Role
- Landscape Architect – ensphere GmbH
- Contribution
- Landscape architecture input during methodology discussions · Interdisciplinary design support · Strategic landscape architecture consultation · Infographic design · Visual communication · Graphic development for the final publication
Credits
Infographics and visual communication materials designed by Dimitra Theochari (ensphere GmbH) for the study publication; the research graphics are in English.
Research findings, graphics and images remain © the project partners — LAMDA Labs, 1830 lab, Impact Hub Athens and ensphere GmbH.
