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

Latest News

OPENspace Co-Director, Prof Catharine Ward Thompson, honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Prof Simon Bell and Iain Scott visit the Beijing Institute of Technology, strengthening ongoing collaboration

6th International Congress ISFT “Forest and its Potential for Health”

Fostering Global Collaboration: OPENspace Welcomes Beijing Institute of Technology for Research Visit

Collaboration Milestone: OPENspace and Beijing Institute of Technology Forge Partnership on Healthy Spaces

Opportunity alert – Landscape and Wellbeing Research Associate

Opportunity alert – Research Fellow, Advanced Care Research Centre (ACRC)

Opportunity alert – Community Engagement and Co-Production Researcher

Dr Scott Ogletree’s research featured in The Guardian, revealing the impact of green space on cellular aging

Landscape Forum 2024: Tartu and South Estonia

Congratulations to Dr Scott Ogletree on receiving the WIMEK research fellowship 2024 at Wageningen University & Research

Prof Catharine Ward Thompson contributing to a new parliamentary inquiry into Urban Green Spaces

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

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