How to design neighbourhood outdoor spaces to improve the mental health of all citizens?

Poorly designed neighbourhood outdoor spaces can harm citizens’ mental health, such as presenting them with information overload, crowding or low exposure to nature. Our research explored which design elements can support urban designers in designing neighbourhood outdoor spaces that can reduce stress and attention fatigue and improve the mental health of all citizens.

An examination of urban green spaces usage behaviours and mental health benefits

The study by collecting data from a sample in a developing and rapidly urbanizing country in South Asia highlighted the importance of green space interventions to promote urban dwellers’ contact with urban green spaces and physical activity levels. Moreover, it highlighted differences in urban green space usage behaviours based on differences in sociodemographic characteristics, suggesting the necessity to target certain sub-population groups more than others.

Improving adaptive capacity to urban climates: The role of local cultures

Urban design and planning, and associated policies, must enable and support a collective adaptation to climate change by responding to local needs. These needs can be identified through an urban comfort lens considering sociocultural preferences and needs which must inform urban design and planning practice.