Welcome to OPENspace…

An international research centre, based in the Universities of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt, contributing new evidence on why inclusive access to the outdoors matters.

We are a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team, bringing together experts in landscape architecture, environmental psychology, human geography, forestry. quality of life measures and design for all ages and abilities.

Addressing the full spectrum of open space environments – from city parks and squares to remote rural landscapes – our work informs policy on health and wellbeing, social inclusion, countryside access and sustainable urban development.

We focus on the benefits to be gained from getting outdoors and the barriers currently experienced by different users, particularly those from disadvantaged groups.

OPENspace website homepage find out more
Link to a blog post about our new MSc in Landscape and Wellbeing
Banner for an animation
Link to a short video about open space research
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Latest News

Prof Catharine Ward Thompson’s essay published in ‘Garden and Metaphor: Essays on the Essence of the Garden’

Joint Laboratory of Healthy Space established between University of Edinburgh and Beijing Institute of Technology

Congratulations to Professor Simon Bell on the announcement of his Chair in Landscape and Wellbeing

Job alert – Science Communicator and Research Impact Officer

City residents provide feedback on the concept of kerbside parklets

CCSU Study Abroad students visit OPENspace

2023 International Conference on Environmental Psychology

New WHO report assessing the health and well-being benefits of urban nature

Prof Catharine Ward Thompson makes a guest appearance on Podparks, a World Urban Parks podcast

Dr Simon Bell awarded Data-Driven Innovation funding to build community evidence for urban parklets in Edinburgh

Prof Catharine Ward Thompson keynote speaker at 49th PARJAP Congress in Madrid

Urban Transitions 2022 conference – Poster presentation by Dr Charlotte Wendelboe-Nelson

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) highlights the work of OPENspace Research Fellow, Scott Ogletree

Landscape and Wellbeing Research Fellow post

Introducing the BlueHealth Toolkit

The Surprising Benefits of Blue Spaces

The Surprising Benefits of Blue Spaces

Dr Simon Bell receives ECLAS Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr Simon Bell receives ECLAS Lifetime Achievement Award

Great lectureship opportunity to contribute research-led teaching in Landscape and Wellbeing as part of University of Edinburgh, ESALA and OPENspace

Great lectureship opportunity to contribute research-led teaching in Landscape and Wellbeing as part of University of Edinburgh, ESALA and OPENspace

Nature, Health and Well-being CPD course at the University of Exeter

Join Us for our Spring 2021/2022 Seminar Series!

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