Elchin Novruzov, ESAI EN ROI Volunteer; Candidate Youth Worker
ESC volunteering in teams SKYRTHALIA project December 2024
2024-1-EL02-ESC51-VTJ-000200188
My Journey in the Skyrthalia Project: Exploring Emotional Connections in Urban Parks
Urban parks are often seen as sanctuaries in bustling cities, offering a place to relax, reconnect with nature, and find peace. While these spaces are widely appreciated, my journey in the Skyrthalia project gave me a deeper understanding of the emotional dynamics at play within these green havens.
The Project and Its Vision
The Skyrthalia project aimed to evaluate the emotional impact of various urban spaces using a tool aptly named the "Emotional Barometer." This innovative method assessed the feelings elicited by seven urban parks and green spaces, categorizing responses into five emotions: Happiness, Sadness, Disgust, Surprise, and Anger. The findings were intended to guide urban planners toward designs that maximize positive emotional outcomes and minimize negative ones.
When I first joined the project, I was intrigued by its multidisciplinary nature. It wasn’t just about evaluating aesthetics or functionality; it was about uncovering the subtle emotional currents that shape our experiences in urban spaces. As a student of Environmental Data Sciences, this was a remarkable opportunity to merge my expertise in both environmental and data science disciplines in a real-world context.
Volunteering and Fieldwork
My role involved both research and hands-on volunteering. Visiting sites like the lush Garden Roses, the serene Botanic Pathway, and the less-maintained Aqueduct, I observed how these spaces influenced visitors’ emotions. However, Ivanov Park stood out to me as a truly unique experience. Unlike other parks, it was a vibrant space where I saw people from different countries gathering together and playing "tavla," a traditional board game. The sense of community and cultural exchange made it particularly memorable.
One of the most eye-opening experiences was interacting with locals. Through casual conversations, I learned how deeply people’s moods and emotions were tied to their environment. The warmth and hospitality of Greek people left a lasting impression on me. It felt like home—not just because of the shared geography between Greece and Azerbaijan but also because of cultural overlaps, such as shared foods. Tasting these familiar dishes while being immersed in a new environment was a comforting and enriching experience.
Research and Insights
Using the Emotional Barometer, we analyzed data from participant evaluations, site photographs, and even Google Maps reviews. My time spent reviewing these materials was a mix of excitement and curiosity. I saw clear patterns emerge:
Greenery and Cleanliness: Parks with abundant vegetation and well-maintained landscapes consistently evoked happiness and surprise.
Neglect and Disharmony: Conversely, poorly maintained spaces sparked feelings of disgust and anger, highlighting the need for better upkeep and ecological balance.
One of my proudest contributions was assisting in the correlation analysis. By connecting emotional responses to specific design features, we uncovered actionable insights. For example, creative landscaping and unique features like sculptures or biodiversity elements in parks such as Garden Memeory not only elevated curiosity but also enriched overall joy.
Challenges and Lessons
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Coordinating participant interviews and ensuring diverse perspectives required careful planning. Additionally, interpreting emotional data and translating it into practical recommendations for urban planners demanded a balance of scientific rigor and creativity.
Despite these hurdles, the experience was profoundly rewarding. It deepened my appreciation for the role of urban parks as emotional barometers of city life. More importantly, it taught me the value of empathy in research—understanding how people’s emotional experiences can drive better design and planning.
Looking Ahead
The Skyrthalia project has the potential to influence how cities approach urban development. For me, being part of this initiative was not just about contributing to the research but also about personal growth. I’ve developed a sharper eye for the subtle cues that make or break an urban space’s emotional appeal and a deeper commitment to creating environments that foster positivity and connection.
I hope that urban planners and policymakers will consider the insights from my research, which I have detailed extensively. The findings are publicly available and can be accessed via this link: The Emotional Impact of Green Spaces on Well-Being: A Case Study of Thessaloniki's Parks.
As urban populations continue to grow, projects like Skyrthalia underscore the importance of designing spaces that resonate emotionally with their inhabitants. I’m grateful for the chance to play a part in this meaningful journey and look forward to seeing its impact on urban landscapes worldwide.
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