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Rethinking Cities for Intellectual Wellness: Blending Urban Planning and Psychological Perspectives Read Full Article>https://ow.ly/R8jH50QUWOl Urban design and mental health are inextricably linked in the modern world. As cities become more dense, crowded, and chaotic, urban design plays a vital role in fostering mental health. Urban design may help inhabitants live healthier lives by giving access to green spaces, lowering noise levels, and allowing for more efficient movement of people and commodities. #interiordesign #architects #geometry #architect #design

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.

Embracing Restorative Urbanism: Building Cities for Mental Wellness   Amidst the buzz of New Year resolutions—be it about reading more, going eco-friendly, or supporting initiatives like "meat-free Fridays" or "smart Tuesdays"—let's spotlight a crucial yet often overlooked commitment: advocating for mental health to shape our cities. At PBD, community stands as one of our core values, extending beyond our workspace. Infusing well-being into every aspect of our work is pivotal. Despite the ongoing evolution in studies, our dedication remains steadfast: integrating these insights into our designs and championing restorative urbanism. Our mission extends beyond constructing buildings; it's about cultivating environments that support mental wellness. This year, we're delving deeper into this area with our latest addition to the PBD library: "Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and Wellbeing" by Jenny Roe and Layla McCay. This book unravels a transformative urban paradigm, highlighting how cities can spark mental wellness. It outlines seven key elements for a restorative city: green spaces, blue spaces, sensory experiences, neighbourly connections, active environments, playable areas, and inclusivity. These considerations already shape our designs, but we're eager to enhance our understanding further. Let's collaboratively design not just spaces, but places that nurture, heal, and restore. Our team extends beyond office walls, embracing our extended family of fellow designers and consultants, enhancing life through thoughtful design. We wish you all a week filled with inspiration and well-being! #RestorativeCities #UrbanDesign #MentalHealthMatters #WellBeing #PBDLibrary #DesignForWellness #EnhancedLifeByDesign #PBDCommunity

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

Imagine walking through a city where every corner tells a story, where every street invites you to linger, and where every neighborhood feels like home. This is the vision of transformative placemaking—a revolutionary approach to urban development that goes beyond just building structures; it creates vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Dive deep into the blueprint for the cities of tomorrow in my latest article. #UrbanDesign #Placemaking #InclusiveCities #SustainableDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #TransformativePlacemaking #CityDevelopment

There is no doubt a high-quality public realm can enable improved well-being and quality of life. This has become evident over the last couple of decades and more apparent through and after the COVID pandemic. But how do we go about pushing for public space interventions in car centric places or cities where there isn’t the understanding of the benefits of accessible and quality public spaces. #placesforpeople #landscapearchitecture #urbandesign #placemaking #walkability https://lnkd.in/eYkd9nmJ

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

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards creating walkable cities, wherein the urban landscape is designed to prioritize pedestrian movement and accessibility. From improved physical and mental health to reduced environmental impact, the benefits of walkable cities are numerous. However, to truly enhance the livability of these urban areas, it is essential to incorporate seat-able development, pocket green spaces, and resting areas within a certain distance. Seat-able developments, such as benches, outdoor seating areas, or even attractive spaces with built-in seating arrangements, contribute significantly to the comfort and convenience of pedestrians. These seating provisions enable people to take breaks, socialize, or simply enjoy their surroundings. Providing seating options also enhances inclusivity, enabling people with limited mobility, disabilities, or for whom walking is strenuous, to navigate the city with greater ease. It is crucial that such developments are distributed evenly throughout walkable areas, ensuring that rest is always within reach and fatigue does not hinder pedestrian activities. Furthermore, integrating pocket greens and resting areas within walking distances adds to the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces and promotes mental well-being. Pocket greens are small, well-maintained green spaces scattered throughout the city, offering a refreshing respite from the concrete jungle. These mini-parks can feature trees, plants, flowers, and even small water features, providing a calming environment for people to relax and unwind. By incorporating seating arrangements within these green pockets, the experience is elevated, encouraging people to spend more time outdoors and fostering a connection with nature. Resting areas, on the other hand, can take the form of parks, plazas, or even designated spaces adjacent to commercial establishments. These zones adequately cater to the needs of pedestrians, offering amenities such as water fountains, shade structures, and public restrooms, ultimately making the urban environment more comfortable and inviting. Consequently, these resting spaces encourage people to extend their walks, explore their surroundings, and enhance their overall urban experience. Ultimately, the inclusion of seat-able development, pocket greens, and resting areas within a certain distance in walkable cities is vital for creating enjoyable and inclusive urban environments. By providing opportunities for rest, relaxation, and socialization, we enhance the well-being of residents and visitors, improve physical and mental health, promote environmental sustainability, and create a sense of community. As we continue to strive for better urban designs and enhanced livability, prioritizing these elements within walkable cities is a step in the right direction.

Cities are often seen as collections of buildings and streets. But for an urban placemaking professional, a place is much more than that. It's a feeling – a sense of vibrancy, belonging, and connection that draws people in and makes them feel welcome. We've spent so much time focusing on functionality that we've forgotten the emotional core of our cities. But what if we could design spaces that evoke specific feelings? Imagine a bustling farmers market that sparks joy, a quiet park that fosters contemplation, or a vibrant pedestrian walkway that ignites creativity. Reclaiming the Heart: Reclaiming Space. Here's how urban placemaking can help us reclaim the feeling in our places: * Community Engagement: Put people at the centre of the design process. Gather resident input, stories, and aspirations for the space. * Sensory Design: Consider the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and even tastes that contribute to a place's atmosphere. * Prioritize People: Design spaces for interaction, not just movement. Encourage lingering, gathering, and spontaneous encounters. * Celebrate Local Identity: Incorporate local history, culture, and art to create a unique sense of place. * Activate Underused Spaces: Transform neglected areas into vibrant public spaces that foster community engagement. By focusing on these elements, we can breathe life back into our cities. We can create places that function well and evoke positive emotions, fostering a sense of belonging and sparking connections between people. Let's move beyond concrete jungles and build places with heart! What are your ideas for creating places that resonate with people? #LivableCities #PublicSpace #Wellbeing #Urbanism #Launceston