Files and links (1)
Published (Version of Record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Challenging the Norm of Lawns in Public Urban Green Space: Insights from Expert Designers, Turf Growers and Managers
Land (Basel), Vol.14(9), 1814
2025
Abstract
Lawns have evolved from medieval European grasslands into globally accepted urban green surfaces, serving recreational, aesthetic and cultural purposes. Today lawn surfaces are essential components of public urban green space (PUGS), fulfilling ecosystem services such as urban heat mitigation, carbon sequestration and social well-being. However, their ecological and resource-intensive disservices, particularly in dry climates, have prompted growing concerns among environmental scientists, urban planners and landscape designers. In water-scarce regions like Perth, Western Australia, traditional lawns face increasing scrutiny due to their high irrigation demands and limited ecological diversity. This study contributed to the transdisciplinary LAWN as Cultural and Ecological Phenomenon project, focusing on the perspectives of professionals, landscape architects, park managers, turf producers and researchers responsible for the planning, design and management of urban lawn in PUGS. Using qualitative methods (semi-structured in-depth interviews), the research explores expert insights on the values, challenges and future trajectories of lawn use in a warming, drying climate. The interviews included 21 participants. Findings indicate that while professionals acknowledge lawns’ continued relevance for sports and active recreation, water scarcity is a major concern influencing design and species selection. Alternatives such as drought-tolerant plants, hard landscaping and multifunctional green spaces are increasingly considered for non-sporting areas. Despite growing concerns, the ideal lawn is still envisioned as an expansive, green, soft surface, mirroring entrenched public preferences. This study underscores the need to balance environmental sustainability with public preference and cultural expectations of green lawns. Balancing expert insights with public attitudes is vital for developing adaptive, water-conscious landscape design strategies suited to future urban planning and environmental conditions in Mediterranean climates.
Details
- Title
- Challenging the Norm of Lawns in Public Urban Green Space: Insights from Expert Designers, Turf Growers and Managers
- Authors/Creators
- Maria Ignatieva - The University of Western AustraliaMichael Hughes - Murdoch UniversityFahimeh Mofrad - The University of Western AustraliaAgata Cabanek - The University of Western Australia
- Publication Details
- Land (Basel), Vol.14(9), 1814
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Identifiers
- 991005813047107891
- Copyright
- © 2025 by the authors
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability; School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Metrics
1 File views/ downloads
8 Record Views