Abstract

This study examines associations between natural visual environments (greenery and water features) and users' perceived activation outcomes in urban public spaces in Erbil, Iraq. Using a cross-sectional, observational mixed-methods design with 200 user surveys and systematic field observations across five public parks, outcomes included social interaction, livability/usability, safety/security, cultural identity/diversity, and psychological comfort.  The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression, and mediation analysis. Parks with higher observed green-blue input presence and operability were associated with higher mean user-reported activation outcome scores with effect sizes of eta squared 0.430 to 0.531 and Hedges’ g values of 1.04 to 1.84. In multivariable models, trees/greenery had the largest standardized associations with social interaction and livability/usability, while water features were positively associated with cultural identity and perceived safety/security, and psychological comfort statistically mediated the observed associations between green-blue inputs and user-reported activation outcomes. Given the cross-sectional design and self-reported measures, findings are interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. This study contributes to environmental psychology theory and climate-responsive urban design by specifying perception-based design and maintenance priorities for public-space activation in climate-stressed settings.