External observers’ and local users’ perceptions of vegetation and surface transformations in historic urban square renovations

Abstract Historic urban squares in Poland have undergone extensive renovations involving changes in vegetation, biologically active surfaces, and paving materials. This study examined how these transformations are perceived by external observers and local users. It combined face-to-face surveys with local users in five cities ( n = 100) and a nationwide online survey ( n = 1,005), whose participants evaluated square functions and before-and-after photographs of renovations in seven cities. Respondents strongly preferred vegetation, particularly trees and flower beds. The combined practice of removing trees and replacing biologically active surfaces with impermeable materials was negatively evaluated by 84% of local respondents. Renovations retaining more existing vegetation and biologically active surfaces generally received more favourable evaluations, with the highest local satisfaction recorded in Bełchatów (82%). Local users also frequently identified insufficient shade as a problem affecting their comfort when using the squares. Differences between photograph-based assessments and local user evaluations were particularly evident in Ciechanów and Skierniewice, where relatively favourable external assessments contrasted with low resident satisfaction. These findings show that visual assessments do not fully capture the functional qualities experienced by everyday users. The results highlight the importance of retaining vegetation, providing shade, and involving local users in historic square renovations.