Urban green spaces increasingly play a pivotal role in enhancing quality of life and urban sustainability, yet their functional value hinges on their articulation within a cohesive green structure that reflects both territorial logics and user expectations. This research develops a multiscalar methodology for analysing urban green structures by intertwining territorial dynamics with socio-spatial perceptions, tested in Bragança, a mid-sized Portuguese city. The investigation reveals how unplanned urban sprawl resulted in fragmented green patches often linked to residual spaces—vacant, underutilised, and ecologically degraded—aggravated by land-use plans favouring buildable expansion without effective implementation. Citizens exhibit a clear preference for larger public green spaces with higher elemental complexity, as these better accommodate diverse user needs and offer more meaningful recreational opportunities. The analysis underscores that spatial distribution of green areas significantly influences accessibility, mobility patterns, and user engagement, suggesting that mere quantity of green spaces is insufficient without strategic urban integration. The findings advocate for urban planning that transcends superficial green provision and instead fosters connected, functional, and inclusive landscapes attuned to local socio-ecological dynamics. Thus, Bragança exemplifies the critical need for urban green infrastructure to be grounded not only in ecological rationale but also in user-centred design, territorial coherence, and long-term urban liveability (Gonçalves, 2013).
Gonçalves, A.J. de J., 2013. El valor funcional de la estructura verde urbana - aportación desde el estudio de los espacios verdes de la ciudad de Bragança (Portugal). Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid.
