OPENspace

Description

OPENspace is an international research centre contributing new evidence on why inclusive access to the outdoors matters.

The Centre is a collaborative, multidisciplinary group with researchers in Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) within the University of Edinburgh, and Heriot-Watt University.

OPENspace's team draws on the collective expertise of specialists in landscape architecture, environmental psychology, human geography, forestry, quality of life measures and design for all ages and abilities. Staff focuses on the benefits to be gained from getting outdoors and the barriers currently experienced by different users.

OPENspace research addresses the full spectrum of open space environments, from city parks and squares to remote rural landscapes. Its vision is for access to outdoor environments for everyone: for disabled people, for minority ethnic groups, for children, young people and their carers, for older people and for economically or socially disadvantaged groups.

Members recognise the potential offered by open space at all scales to provide opportunities for outdoor activity and positive engagement with the natural environment, to enhance people’s health and wellbeing and to build social capital. Their aim is to place their vision at the heart of all urban and rural policy.

OPENspace was established in 2001 to bridge academia, policy and practice, with support from the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. Since the Centre's formation, it has attracted over £5m in external funds, held four international conferences, published two monographs and provided evidence to government, industry and the not-for-profit sector.

Members are currently leading two major projects, each valued at over £1m: one for the National Institute for Health Research; and one for the major UK Research Council initiative, Lifelong Health and Wellbeing.

OPENspace research has been cited in guidance by the World Health Organization, and members have published and presented widely, including in the US and Canada, Australia, Scandinavia and the Baltic States.

Members teach on the Landscape and Wellbeing - MSc at ECA and supervise a number of PhD students, as well as teaching Landscape Architecture at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

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University affiliation(s)

University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh