Luxury now comes with a little more green
Luxury in real estate used to be defined by what was fancy, ultramodern and sophisticated. Developers created opulent entrances and lobbies, cutting-edge systems, and amenities that seemed to transport residents to a posh island getaway, all to entice homebuyers into luxury living.
As cities continue to transform into concrete jungles, however, many homebuyers are placing convenient access to open green spaces at the top of their wish lists.
Overall wellness
Access to green spaces is believed to benefit mental well-being, cognitive health and overall wellness in both children and adults.
A US study found that students who spent at least 15 minutes in green parks almost every day exhibited a higher quality of life, better overall moods and lower perceived stress. A UK study also suggested that spending at least five hours a week in a garden was associated with lower levels of depression.
But when space is limited, as is often the case in urban areas, where can homebuyers find their much needed greenery? Cities such as New York, London and Paris have found a solution in pocket parks.
Tucked within urban neighborhoods, pocket parks provide a quick breather from the hustle and bustle of daily life. These compact green spaces are much smaller than a football field but are intentionally designed to provide opportunities for rest and recreation in dense concrete jungles.
Pocket parks, whether in residential communities or commercial establishments, provide easy access to nature. People don’t have to drive or commute just to lounge on the grass after a tiring day at work or school. Pocket parks offer immediate access to trees and fresh air, allowing people to make nature part of their daily routine.
These also offer more peace and quiet as compared to sprawling parks that may feel crowded at times. Pocket parks, especially those within residential properties, provide more privacy.
Small pocket of green
Among the most popular spots in New York, Paley Park may be smaller than 400 sqm but it is proof that developers do not need a huge space to support the well-being of the people.
This small pocket of green has Boston ivy growing on its walls while acacia trees provide the shade. Visitors are free to rest on garden chairs.
The park’s most notable feature is a 20-foot waterfall that not only serves as a buffer to the sound of traffic and other noises that come from the street, but also significantly cools down the surrounding air. Paley Park’s greenery and the sound of its cascading waterfall provide a soothing break right in the middle of a busy city.
Little green oasis
Just a 10-minute walk from Paddington Station in London, the Floating Pocket Park is said to be one of the smallest and among the most delightful parks in the city.
This little green oasis is built on interlocking pontoons, made from recycled materials and floats, right on the Paddington Basin. It has a lawn with park benches for everyone’s use, and a canopy surrounded with flowerbeds.
Place Dauphine in Paris is a cozy triangular plot of land right in the center of the city. This outdoor space is dotted with benches where locals can often be seen having mid-day picnics. It is also the perfect spot for tourists to enjoy people watching while getting a glimpse of daily Parisian life.
In today’s property market, there is luxury even in the small things. Pocket parks may seem inconsiderable in size but the benefits that these bring to communities extends far beyond their square footage.
Sources: National Center for Biotechnology Information, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; Science Direct, sciencedirect.com; nature.com
