Wybrane założenia koncepcji miasta biofilnego – perspektywa mieszkańców Torunia = Selected assumptions of the biophilic city concept – the perspective of Toruń residents

Kowalski, Mateusz

doi:0033-2143 (print)

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Wybrane założenia koncepcji miasta biofilnego – perspektywa mieszkańców Torunia = Selected assumptions of the biophilic city concept – the perspective of Toruń residents Kowalski, Mateusz

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Wybrane założenia koncepcji miasta biofilnego – perspektywa mieszkańców Torunia = Selected assumptions of the biophilic city concept – the perspective of Toruń residents

Przegląd Geograficzny T. 98 z. 1 (2026)

Kowalski, Mateusz : Autor

biophilia ; biophilic city ; blue-green infrastructure ; nature ; well-being

Environmental problems generated by civilizational development in our cities are particularly pressing. In this context, the concept of the biophilic city has recently gained popularity. The aim of this article was to present the blue-green infrastructure (BGI) in Toruń from the perspective of residents in the context of the biophilic city concept assumptions proposed by Beatley (2011). To achieve this objective, the following research questions were posed: How do residents assess the resources, travel-time accessibility, and condition of the BGI? To what extent do residents express a need for contact with the BGI? How intense and regular is their presence in the BGI areas? For what purposes do residents visit the BGI? What activities do they engage in while in the BGI areas? Do residents feel that spending time in the BGI areas affects their well-being? The research was conducted using computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI). The introduction provides a concise overview of the assumptions of the biophilic city concept. Based on the survey results, the study identifies which of these assumptions were met. The main conclusions drawn from this study are as follows: the travel-time accessibility of blue-green infrastructure, rated positively by respondents, demonstrates a fair distribution of nature and, to some extent, a high degree of integration of natural spaces and immersion in nature. In turn, the average rating of blue-green infrastructure resources and their condition – including overall aesthetics, rich vegetation, infrastructure facilities, road surface condition, and greenery maintenance and care – requires changes to fully realize the biophilic city’s assumptions, such as investing in nature, high biodiversity, and abundant wildlife. The high need for contact with nature, the intensity, and the regularity with which respondents actually spend time in areas with blue-green infrastructure demonstrate the implementation of other assumptions: active use and “open air” city. This is also reflected in the diversity of purposes for which residents visit these areas. The overwhelming majority of respondents also confirm activities concerning spending time in BGI areas, such as appreciating the beauty of the landscape, spending time by the water, sitting in the shade of trees, admiring various plant species, and listening to the sounds of birds. This demonstrates the assumptions implemented in Toruń, including: a multitude of experiences, arousing curiosity, respect for water, appreciation for the value and the right to existence of other species, and multisensory experience. An additional aspect addressed in the study was the subjective assessment of the impact of staying in BGI areas on respondents’ well-being. The inhabitants of Toruń taking part in the study notice the positive influence of nature, which, for the vast majority of them, increases creativity and happiness, improves health and well-being, allows for peace of mind, and reduces stress levels. The study did not include assumptions such as caring for both the micro and macro scales, due to the citywide nature of the study and the treatment of blue-green infrastructure as an element of Toruń’s spatial structure. The display of natural shapes and forms, as well as inspiration from and imitation of nature, were also not considered, as these assumptions pertain strictly to architecture and, therefore, pertain to buildings. Caring for nature beyond administrative boundaries was also not examined, as these are issues related to integrated spatial planning that fall outside the city’s administrative boundaries and the survey’s framework. However, this article is an excellent starting point for further analyses that should be developed, taking into account the challenges contemporary cities face.

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