Green Spots, Happy Thoughts

Vienna, Austria. The picture was taken by the author

It’s pretty obvious that being around green spaces has a positive effect on our mood. Just think about those times you’ve relaxed during lunch on the grass. Parks are a big factor when we judge how livable a city is, and London’s urbanists have known this since the Victorian era. In 1984, biologist Edward O. Wilson formalized this idea with his “Biophilia” theory, which suggests that nature has a calming influence on humans.

While achieving complete harmony with nature in cities might not be realistic, the idea of connecting with nature still matters for our mental well-being. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in green spaces, no matter how big or small they are.

Apart from the health benefits, parks also provide a natural meeting place for communities. Spaces that bring people together are always worth preserving and fighting for, regardless of the situation.

Olympiapark in Munich

Parks serve as vibrant breaths of nature amidst urban landscapes, often standing as distinct symbols for their cities. Ponder on New York sans Central Park, Tokyo devoid of Yoyogi, or Madrid missing Buen Retiro.

Similarly, Munich cherishes its Olympiapark, constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics by German firm Behnisch & Partner. The design reflects the rolling terrain of the adjacent Alps.