Perception-Oriented Micro-Urban Landscape Renewal Strategies: A Case Study in Adelaide

Abstract

As urban population density increases and large-scale public spaces become scarce, micro-urban green spaces such as small parks, alleyways, and interstitial parks play an increasingly important role in the everyday lives of cities like Adelaide. In Adelaide, recent public investments in projects such as Bowden Park and the River Torrens Linear Park indicate a growing interest in transforming fragmented urban space. This study proposes a perceptually oriented regeneration strategy for micro-urban landscapes that focuses on sensory comfort, climate responses, and a human spatial experience. Using three case studies in Adelaide’s city center, this paper integrates visual observations, spatial interpretations, and literature reviews to identify key factors influencing residents’ perceptions. The results demonstrate that thermal comfort, multisensory stimulation, and ecological hierarchy have significant impacts on residents’ behavior and spatial quality. The paper concludes by proposing an adaptive design strategy to guide the future regeneration of micro-landscapes, particularly in medium-sized cities with climate challenges.