A practical NbS framework for ecological landscape design: The Pınarbaşı example

Recreation and leisure activities have become vital components for enhancing social welfare and overall quality of life in contemporary urban and rural environments. Within this context, natural areas play a crucial role in strengthening social interaction, maintaining ecological resilience, and supporting public health. The growing interest in nature-based recreation highlights the need for design strategies that integrate ecological preservation with user-oriented functionality. This study develops a landscape design model explicitly grounded in Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), positioning NbS as the core conceptual and methodological framework of the project. Conducted in the Pınarbaşı Public Garden located in the Şarkikaraağaç district of Isparta, Türkiye, the research demonstrates how NbS principles can be operationalized in ecological landscape design to address environmental, social, and functional needs simultaneously. The design process was structured around a comprehensive analysis of topography, vegetation, hydrology, land use, and social dynamics. The proposed design integrates ecological services such as shading, water management, carbon sequestration, and soil protection with multifunctional recreational facilities including picnic areas, bicycle paths, wooden bridges, and local product stands. Sustainable materials, minimal intervention strategies, and universal accessibility standards were prioritized throughout the design process. The findings demonstrate that NbS-based landscape design enhances ecological continuity, supports local identity, and strengthens the interaction between humans and nature. This case study offers a replicable model for developing resilient recreational landscapes that contribute to environmental sustainability and community well-being.