![]() On the immediate scale of the space that surrounds the body, the space allows a wide range of possibilities, from those offered by a small touch screen on a phone on which fingers make micro movements to those of a well-designed bench on which the body comfortably rests in an urban park. Affordances have two dominant attributes: proxemic and relational. Space is, from the perspective of the body, a repository of affordances, that is, perceived opportunities for action. ![]() We move in space, place ourselves, and express ourselves in a continuous proxemic discourse. Consequently, urban green spaces have been construed as a resource to contrast the crisis of sociality in contemporary Western cities. As to the social implications of greenery in urban green spaces, it has been shown that the presence of plants promotes social cohesion, a notion that refers to the strength of social ties in a community, and that the positive and frequent interactions taking place in urban green spaces affect some of social cohesion dimensions, such as place attachment and social capital (see, e.g., ). Other studies have investigated the outcomes of green spaces presence on the extensive ecological systems of cities, focusing, for example, on their contribution to biodiversity, pollination or, more in general, on how the increased contact with nature in cities favours pro-environmental behaviours that, in turn, promote a healthier ecosystem. Studies in dense metropolitan districts have shown, for example, a relationship between the presence of green areas close to the home and overall health, or between the exposure to green spaces and the reduction of stress, depression, and anxiety. Studies have shown a remarkable variety of effects produced by the presence of plants in different contexts. Some indications on design, planning, and management of SGS are also suggested. Implications of the study outcomes are discussed in relation to social cohesion in open public spaces and with the declining sense of urbanity in large cities. The discussion illustrates how the theoretical constructs of functional indetermination and non-normativity explain users’ perception of SGS as open-ended settings, spared from the extensive compression of publicness and commodification of other public spaces in contemporary cities. Sociality and restorative opportunities afforded by natural features define users’ experiences and SGS appreciation across genders and age groups. The analysis of use patterns, practices, and conflicts in SGS illustrates how continuous use and proximity make SGS persistent scenarios of users’ daily life, differently from large city parks. The analysis is framed within a tripartite model of interaction between people and space as spontaneous appropriation of space through the body, senses, and mind. The research adopts an exploratory approach with a mixed methods strategy (observation sessions, 50 in-depth interviews, and 430 questionnaires). ![]() While there is some work on social dynamics in large urban parks, empirical studies of SGS are fewer. This study investigates human perception and use of Small Green Spaces (SGS) in a dense Western city (Florence, Italy).
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