Rethinking The Future’s Post

May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth. Most may not even give it a second thought, but #urbanplanning plays a crucial role in #mentalhealth by creating spaces that promote social interaction, greenery, and #walkability, which can reduce stress and enhance well-being. 🧘♀️ Accessible parks, well-designed #publicspaces, and well-designed #pedestrianinfrastructure all contribute to a healthier and happier urban environment. 🌳 Read more: https://lnkd.in/e4sKDDRQ #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #urbandesign #placemaking #cityplanning

Wondering who is missing from traditional urban analytics? At the Australian Placemaking Summit, Jessica Christiansen-Franks, CEO of Neighbourlytics, shared insights on: Inclusive and Equitable Placemaking. On the panel with Dr. Simona Castricum, D4T - Design for Trans and Gender Diverse, Jessica discussed the role of urban design in creating spaces that are safe, welcoming, inclusive and accessible. With a background in landscape architecture, urban design, then placemaking, and now tech (aka digital place measurement), Jessica emphasised that understanding and designing for the diverse needs of all community members is not just a goal but a necessity. Key community segments often overlooked in placemaking include: 🎯 Visitors: such as neighbouring residents, workers, and frequent visitors to local facilities play a crucial role in the local economy but are often underrepresented in feedback mechanisms. 🎯 Residents who leave for work: Changes in work patterns have shifted how people interact with their local areas, but there is still a significant outflow during work hours, leading to lost local engagement and economic opportunities. 🎯 Renters: Often disengaged from local government activities, many renters are unaware of how to participate in community events or decisions. 🎯 Young people: Despite being opinionated, young people seldom participate in civic decisions, possibly due to lack of awareness, invitation, or perceived relevance. At Neighbourlytics, we leverage advanced analytics to reveal how different population segments utilise and experience urban spaces, providing essential data that helps city-makers create more engaging and inclusive environments. Our tools are designed to capture the subtleties of urban life, offering a comprehensive view that guides more effective and empathetic urban planning. Learn more about how Neighbourlytics works and sign up for a free account to try it out for yourself today: https://bit.ly/3VeNkqu

📚 Just finished reading an insightful article penned by Yomi O. exploring how neurodiversity can shape sustainable urban planning as a force for social good. What do inclusive and sustainable cities look like? How can we re-imagine public spaces? The thought piece published via the World Economic Forum Agenda looks into critical aspects of urban design that are often overlooked but are essential for creating truly inclusive and sustainable cities. Yomi - rightly points out that our modern cities, while visually appealing, often fail in terms of accessibility and sensory considerations. The constant bombardment of stimuli can be overwhelming for many, especially those with sensory processing differences. This calls for a shift in our approach to city planning, one that prioritizes inclusivity and supports diverse cognitive experiences. We've all experienced some form of sensory overload especially in big urban cities. It can cause emotional over-stimulation. Features like clear signage, accessible transport, and calming spaces benefit everyone, enhancing the urban experience for tourists, families, and individuals with diverse cognitive needs. The article challenges us to rethink traditional design paradigms and consider the impact of our environments on different types of minds. It emphasizes the importance of engaging self-advocates with disabilities in the design process to ensure their perspectives are central to creating supportive spaces. Let's prioritize not just the aesthetics but also the functionality and sensory impact of our spaces, creating cities that are not only visually appealing but also welcoming and empowering for all. A must read! Thank you Yomi O.! #Circularity #HumanCentredDesign💕 🚍 Nairobi Design (Week) Circular Design Hub Kampala hannah 🌱 ballard 32° East Localworks Apollo Buregyeya Global Shapers Kampala Hub Birmingham Global Shapers Hub Armando Leal Puente The Climate Reality Project Peter BenHur Nyeko Rasheeda Nalumoso Arnold Kwizera Christoph Schmitt Global Shapers Community Natalie Pierce NAN - Neurodiversity Architecture Network Neurodiversity UK https://lnkd.in/dwNtXRTF

Urban Green Spaces: A Breath of Fresh Air for Mental Health Urban green spaces are essential for enhancing the quality of life in cities. Research has shown that access to parks, gardens, and natural landscapes can significantly improve mental health and well-being. As cities become more crowded, the need for these green oases becomes increasingly critical. The benefits of urban green spaces extend beyond aesthetics. They provide residents with a place to relax, exercise, and socialize, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. For instance, the High Line in New York City is a prime example of how converting unused urban spaces into green areas can transform a city's landscape and improve the mental health of its inhabitants. According to a study by the University of Queensland, spending time in green spaces can lower the risk of mental health issues by up to 55%. As an architect, incorporating green spaces into urban design is not just about beautification but about creating environments that support mental health and foster community. This aligns with the broader trend towards sustainable and resilient urban development. References: University of Queensland Study on Green Spaces and Mental Health High Line, New York City

The #publicrealm has a unique role in the creation of multifunctional #urbanplaces that play their part in physical, mental, and social #wellbeing, while fostering connections to nature and promoting active lifestyles. These spaces need to be resilient and adaptable while providing a feeling of safety and security. Project Centre Ltd, part of Marston Holdings, are passionate about creating places that are attractive, #innovative, #sustainable, and safe. At PUBLIC REALM & URBAN SPACES Smart Class 2024 we were delighted to welcome back Luke McGuinness, to discuss the elements involved in creating positive people focussed public realm that balance the competing requirements of users where #people, #nature and #activetravel are prioritised in our urban environments. His presentation featured examples from delivered schemes which include elements of #urbanregeneration, #SuDS and #watermanagement, vacant and #derelict sites, #schoolstreets, #lowtrafficneighbourhoods, active travel routes, #placemaking and truly #inclusiveplaces. Case studies included the regeneration of vacant and derelict #landsites in North Lanarkshire for #greenspace development, #towncentre renewal in Gainsborough, and illustrations of retrofitting SuDS and active travel in an urban context. Luke also considered the importance of involving #localcommunities at an early stage of the design process and explained how close #collaboration with wider technical teams helps to create vibrant, attractive, thriving environments that create a #senseofplace and respect local context. Project Centre colleagues Andrew Georgeson and Tina Glover MCIHT NECReg also contributed their expert knowledge during the subsequent roundtable sessions. To learn more, browse the detailed summary of highlights from Luke's presentation in the retrospective below! For maximum insights, qualifying stakeholders can register for complimentary access to the video and slides. #landscapearchitecture #urbandesign #sustainabledesign #healthyplaces #communityengagement #localauthorities #smartcities #sustainablecities https://lnkd.in/ei3ZgJ_h

Neighborhood Design ++ [city making] Neighborhood design plays a crucial role in economic development by creating vibrant and livable communities that support local businesses and enhance quality of life. Additionally, the focus on walkability and accessibility can have a positive impact on individual health and happiness, making us feel good about exploring and moving around these well-designed environments. -- Walking in these neighborhoods can have positive effects on mental and physical health. Being able to walk to local shops, parks, and amenities can reduce stress, increase physical activity, and improve overall well-being. The interconnected streets and sidewalks also make it safer and more enjoyable to simply stroll around and explore the surroundings.

Sıla Eğridere aims to contribute to smart, sustainable urban development by integrating knowledge of how urban environments affect emotions and well-being with architectural design. Her thesis delves into the relationship between urban emotions—how cities make people feel—and neuroarchitecture’s role in creating mentally and emotionally healthy spaces within smart cities. Eğridere emphasizes inclusive design and community engagement, aiming to make cities more livable for everyone. #sciencedrivenapproach #cities

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 At #Singrass, we are heavily invested in the design of interiors. It isn't just about aesthetics and functionality; it's about creating spaces that nurture well-being and foster productivity. #Singapore is leading the way with groundbreaking research to understand how urban design affects mental health. Announced by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat at the World Cities Summit Opening Plenary 2024, the study spearheaded by the A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research will explore the direct and indirect relationships between our surroundings and our state of mind. This research will examine various urban design features, population density, and human behaviors, providing critical insights into how we can shape environments that promote mental well-being. This will surely lead to the rejuvenation and reinvention of our city-state for the future. In the meanwhile, you too can start by thinking about how we can create healthier office environments: 𝟏. 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 Integrating natural elements like #IndoorSmartEcoSystem, water features as well as natural light can significantly reduce stress and improve mood. #Biophilic design isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessary shift towards spaces that support mental health. 𝟐. 𝐄𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 Creating adaptable workspaces that allow for movement and change can enhance physical comfort and reduce the monotony that often leads to mental fatigue. Ergonomic furniture, standing desks, and flexible meeting areas are essential components. 𝟑. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 Designing spaces that encourage social interaction can combat loneliness and foster a sense of community. Comfortable communal areas, simple design tweaks like open pantries and quiet rooms can make a big difference. Understanding how space density affects behaviour and stress levels can help us design offices that balance open spaces with areas for privacy. This balance is crucial in preventing the feeling of overcrowding while promoting collaboration. Flexible work arrangements for groups to work in the office and others from home periodically are already a hot topic earlier this year. We're definitely looking forward to shaping the future of urban and interior design. We believe that by embracing a holistic approach, we can contribute to a smarter, more resilient future where our offices become sanctuaries of #well-being and #productivity. If you are in this space, let us have a conversation about how we can make this vision a reality, one space at a time! #FutureOfWork #OfficeDesign #MentalHealth #UrbanPlanning #BiophilicDesign #SmartCities #SustainableSpaces #Wellbeing #EcologicalEnvironment https://lnkd.in/giuMeZcu

Our cities often feel designed only for the young and fully able. Urban planning neglects the needs of many, making navigation and safety difficult for those with disabilities. Sometimes, it feels like you need eyes on the back of your head to live in these places.Simple changes, like adding auditory signals to traffic lights, can enhance safety for everyone. Inclusive design isn't just about adding features; it's about creating environments that work for all.By prioritizing inclusive design, we foster cities that are more equitable and supportive. Let's rethink urban spaces to ensure everyone can navigate and thrive.#InclusiveDesign #UrbanPlanning #Accessibility #EquityInDesign