Street trees and grass are important elements for cooling cities, yet where and how to distribute them at the neighbourhood scale is still unclear. This study aims to identify effective street tree and grass design scenarios to maximise cooling in European neighbourhoods with temperate climate. 32 design scenarios were developed by combining urban design parameters of vegetation type, coverage, and spatial distribution in four neighbourhood typologies. The microclimate effects of these scenarios were then simulated using the ENVI-met model. To evaluate their cooling effects, three indices were applied: PET reduction, percentage change in thermal sensation class, and cooling efficiency. Results reveal that even fully covering streets with grass has a marginal thermal impact in reducing the mean Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) by up to 1.1 °C across the neighbourhood, while street trees lower PET by up to 8.7 °C. Neighbourhoods with wide radial streets have higher initial PET values and benefit more from green interventions. Strategically placing two rows of large trees on main streets is more effective for cooling than a single row on both main and secondary streets on the high-radiation side. Neighbourhood-specific practical recommendations for strategically implementing street trees and grass are provided to improve urban cooling.

In urban areas, informal green spaces (IGS) can offer complementary green resources next to designed parks and gardens, contributing to green space equality. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to what cultural ecosystem services (CES) IGS provide in socioeconomically deprived neighbourhoods. However, how residents of these neighbourhoods perceive IGS and how IGS can serve as an everyday social space is still an under-explored area. This research investigates local residents’ perception and preference of CES provided by an IGS in Amsterdam K-buurt through semi-structured interviews. The interview data were processed through five thematic groups including human scale, recreational and social activities, adequate amenities, inclusivity and accessibility, and appropriation, revealing two dynamic networks of CES perceptions and preferences. Positive perceptions centred on recreational activities like play and dog walking, while challenges included inadequate amenities, poor maintenance, and a sense of neglect. Suggestions emphasised enhancing amenities, fostering community-focused programmes, improving human scale by defining borders, and creating opportunities for appropriation to make the space more inclusive and engaging. By diving into qualitative perspectives, the paper reveals the social dynamics in IGS and highlights the design potential for IGS to contribute to the livability of local environments.