Can we rely on people's choices when envisioning retrofit of semi-public courtyards using blue-green infrastructure?

Semi-public areas of residential spaces have become a topic of growing research interest, particularly in relation to the availability of welcoming spaces for different groups of residents and the potential to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis on residents' quality of life. In this context, determining residents' willingness to green their immediate space is an important and interesting aspect, still unrecognized in research. Designing it collaboratively enhances its social acceptance and sustainability. Our study aims to optimize blue-green interventions in semi-public spaces, i.e. the tenement courtyards, which are neglected grey spaces, so that people are not only satisfied with the solutions, but also willing to take responsibility for them. The study focuses on residents of tenements located in the historic center of Łódź (central Poland), a post-industrial city facing numerous spatial, social, and environmental problems. To ensure that the study was inclusive (involving a wide range of participants) and comprehensive (covering the issue thoroughly), we chose three research methods: workshops with deliberative elements, unstructured interviews, and a survey. Our findings suggest that the idea of establishing blue-green courtyards was not ingrained in the residents' awareness. The study found that while residents generally support blue-green infrastructure, their preference shifts towards low-maintenance, unobtrusive greenery due to the priority given to parking cars and personal comfort in tenement courtyards. Blue solutions are often rejected due to concerns about safety and well-being. In addition, lack of community cohesion and social trust limits enthusiasm for shared spaces or blue-green interventions, with many residents preferring utilitarian functions. To overcome these barriers, a key strategy would be a comprehensive civic and environmental education campaign to raise perception of the benefits of introducing blue-green courtyards and to involve residents in co-design.