The effective assessment of urban space must link subjective and objective approaches. The main aim of the paper was to develop and test such a method of assessment in relation to one of the elements of the urban landscape called urban landscape objects (ULOs). The tested method fulfils the following requirements: (1) merges social and expert opinions, (2) analyzes diverse characteristics of urban space, (3) quantitatively presents the results of values assessments, and (4) features the simplicity of structure and ease of public understanding. The method was tested in relation to 34 ULOs located in three different functional sites within Lublin city (Poland). The result enables authors to answer three research questions: (1) How do people perceive ULOs located in different sites? (2) What kinds of tangible values possess different ULOs and how can they be expressed? (3) How can intangible and tangible values be merged? The general finding of the study showed that the Old Town features the highest ranked position in terms of all the values (mean aggregation index (A) ULOs = 0.64), together with the higher share of the most appreciated ULOs, whereas the Lagoon features the lowest ranked position (mean AULOs = 0.35), also statistically comparable with the Campus (mean AULOs = 0.45).

The human species transforms the landscape to meet its needs, but landscape resources and valuable features at the same time affect wellbeing in the context of human activity. In these mutually conditioned interactions, two processes playing a key role are the so-called landscape perception and landscape projection. This article presents: (1) a review of theories playing a key role in the development of knowledge on landscape perception; (2) the basis for landscape projection as a logical and creative continuation of perception processes; (3) an outline of the theory of physiognomic landscape structure and of possibilities for it to gain practical application; (4) the results of the first Polish research into the public’s expectations where quality of the landscape is concerned. Perception of the landscape entails the receipt of stimuli from surrounding space with the help of the senses. It serves primarily in knowledge-based transformation of landscape systems, in a manner that meets ever-more exacting requirements on the part of society when it comes to living in an environment of the highest quality. Only a little scientific work has been devoted to the process of landscape projection. This is therefore a new research field, just opening up, which has the potential to give rise to a group of space-projection theories.

The integration of environmental education into sustainable development is essential for preparing future generations to understand and value ecosystems. This exploratory study examines the short-term effectiveness of two pedagogical approaches—traditional classroom lectures and field workshops with a game-based format—in enhancing adolescents’ awareness of ecosystem services, with emphasis on intangible cultural values. The intervention involved 150 sixth- and seventh-grade students from two schools in Lublin, Poland. The control group attended a lecture, while the experimental group engaged in a six-hour outdoor lesson including a 90 min workshop in the semi-natural green area of Górki Czechowskie. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Both methods improved knowledge, but workshops significantly enhanced place-based awareness (p = 0.017) and showing a statistical trend on recognition of intangible values (p = 0.063). Cluster analysis identified learner profiles: Absorbers (low baseline knowledge, strong relative gains), Narrators (high-achieving girls with improved recognition of intangible services), Eco-Masters (high baseline, limited gains), and Nature Lovers (frequent contact with nature, modest improvement). Notably, low-achieving boys also benefited substantially from experiential activities. These results highlight the value of experiential, narrative-driven education in fostering both cognitive understanding and value-based environmental awareness. Tailoring strategies to learner diversity and preserving semi-natural urban green areas as “living laboratories” are crucial for effective sustainability education. As this research was based on a single-session intervention, the findings should be interpreted as indicative rather than generalizable, offering a preliminary insight into how experiential formats can enhance environmental awareness among adolescents.

Since the mid-twentieth century, fundamental landscape physiognomy transformations have been observed. A number of different methods of evaluation of landscape physiognomy values have been developed so far. Nonetheless, the assessment of changes occurring in landscape physiognomy still poses numerous methodological problems. The objective of the study is to propose an original “method of retrospective evaluation of landscape physiognomy changes” and to present the results of its testing in a fragment of the “West Polesie” Biosphere Reserve (CE Poland) over the period from 1838 to 2011. The method is based on the comparison of the present character of landscape physiognomy with its probable image at the beginning of the period analysed. Such a retrospective assessment of the state of landscape in the 1840s was performed based on the analysis of old topographic maps, literary and tourist descriptions, as well as the analysis of paintings, and since the 1950s also aerial and terrestrial photographs. The analysis of changes in landscape physiognomy covered a route of 12 km. Changes in landscape physiognomy were assessed on the route along five 1-km sections distributed fairly evenly over the entire route. Both the former and current landscape physiognomy values were assessed at a scale from 1 to 10 points according to five precisely defined criteria. The obtained bonitation results were presented in the form of tables and subject to comparative analysis. The results showed that in spite of the large scale of changes, certain areas retained very high physiognomic values and still represent unique genius loci of the Polesie region. These areas were suggested to be covered by particular protection. In other areas, landscape physiognomy changes have the character of discontinuation. In spite of the subjective character of individual assessments, results obtained suggest that the method is suitable for the identification of the traditional (conservative) features, and for the purposes of conservation and management of the identity of unique landscapes.

Currently, the functions of the historical parts of cities are more and more oriented towards the visitors rather than residents. The high density of cultural heritage objects attracts tourists for whom restaurants and shops are created. Therefore, the management and planning of the historic parts of cities has become an increasing challenge. At the same time, activities aimed at improving the quality of life in the city centre, including the most built-up historical parts, require the introduction of greenery (Kowarik, 2019). In order for such spaces to be effective, we require a greater understanding of user preferences. The aim was to define preferences regarding the presence and use of various forms of greenery and their acceptance in the space of the old town. We also asked a question about the functions of the greenery. The study was conducted using an online survey in Lublin, Poland. The method of virtual development of 4 public spaces presenting various forms of greenery in a built environment was used. It was found that the presence of green elements and their form are very important. Trees in particular have a strong influence on preferences, suggesting that they deserve more attention in historical spaces in cities. Flower beds, plants in pots are accepted. The results show that the current level of development is unsatisfactory, and the respondents point out the need to introduce more greenery. Respondents' preferences related to greenery forms depend mainly on gender and age. Especially women and younger age groups preferred spaces with aesthetically attractive elements, such as flowering herbaceous plants in pots. Most of the respondents declared the use of space as places of rest and recreation, and indicated the climatic, ecological and aesthetic functions as important factors in assessing historical spaces in cities. The results should be taken into account by specialists in urban design in historical spaces subject to revitalization.