10. VISUAL COMPLEXITY IN PUBLIC SPACES

“A good city is like a good party people stay longer than really necessary, because they are enjoying themselves”

Jan Gehl

Public spaces are an important asset to our cities. They provide people many opportunities to come together and engage with the community. If public spaces are successful, they are inclusive of the diversity of groups present in our cities and create a social space for everyone in the society to participate in. Visual complexity refers to the degree of information and stimulation present in a visual environment. In public spaces, visual complexity can have a significant impact on people's experience and behavior. Here are some of the ways visual complexity in public spaces can affect individuals:

1. Attention: High levels of visual complexity can capture attention and distract individuals from their intended activities. This can be especially problematic in public spaces where attention is needed for safety, such as intersections or busy sidewalks.

2. Stress: Visual complexity can also increase stress levels, especially in crowded or chaotic environments where there is a lot of information to process. This can result in feelings of anxiety, confusion, or disorientation.

3. Way finding: High levels of visual complexity can make it more difficult for individuals to find their way in public spaces, especially for those with limited mobility or visual impairments.

4. Perception of safety: Visual complexity can also impact perceptions of safety in public spaces. A cluttered or disorganized visual environment can make individuals feel unsafe, while a well-designed and visually simple environment can increase feelings of safety and security.

5. Enjoyment: On the other hand, visual complexity can also contribute to enjoyment in public spaces. A visually interesting environment can provide stimulation and encourage exploration, leading to a more engaging and enjoyable experience.

In overview, people's reactions to visual complexity in public areas might vary and can affect their attention, stress levels, ability to find their way, perceptions of safety, and enjoyment. The complexity of the visual environment and its impact on people's perceptions and actions should be taken into account when developing public areas.

Environmental psychology is the study of how we interact with our constructed and natural environments and how doing so affects how we feel about ourselves. Although there are additional facets of environmental psychology, such sustainability and pro-environmental behaviour, our main focus is on stress reduction.

Cooper Marcus outlines the chances for engagement with nature in medical settings in his article "Therapeutic Landscapes." Along with sights, sounds, and fragrances, gardens provide places to relax and reflect. Cooper Marcus focuses on how well-designed gardens may appeal to a variety of senses, including smell, touch, sound, vision, and taste, and how this can provide interest throughout the year.

Ulrich (1999) put forward guiding concepts for effective garden designs. Exercise opportunities, a sense of control, social support, and involvement with nature are some of these concepts. "Green flora, open area with dispersed trees, and tranquil fauna" are qualities of a restoration place.

On the human brain, the built environment may have a considerable influence, including:

1. Physical Space: The design of physical space can influence mood, stress levels, and overall well-being.

2. Lighting: Bright and natural lighting can enhance mood and cognitive function, while poor lighting can cause stress and eye strain.

3. Colour: Colours in the built environment can impact emotions, with certain colours linked to increased levels of relaxation, creativity, or energy.

4. Air quality: Poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, headaches, and fatigue.

5. Noise levels: Excessive noise levels can lead to stress, sleep disturbance, and decreased productivity.

6. Nature: Exposure to natural elements, such as plants, water features, and green spaces, has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress, and increased cognitive function.

Overall, the built environment can play a major role in shaping our experiences and well-being, and thoughtful design can have positive impacts on the human brain.

12. PHYSICAL SPACE

When referring to the built environment, the term "physical space" describes the threedimensional space that has been developed specifically for human use. This can apply to both private and public situations, both indoor and outdoor.

Examples of physical space in the built environment include homes, offices, parks, shopping centers, and public squares.

Physical space in the built environment is designed and planned to meet specific needs and goals. These goals can include accessibility, functionality, safety, and aesthetics. The design of physical space also takes into account various factors such as building codes and regulations, zoning laws, environmental considerations, and the surrounding context.

The physical space in a building, for example, can be divided into different zones, each with a specific function. For example, there might be a private zone for sleeping and personal activities, a public zone for entertaining and socializing, and a work zone for productivity.

Good design of physical space in the built environment can have a significant impact on human well-being and quality of life. For example, well-designed outdoor spaces can provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and mental relaxation. Similarly, welldesigned indoor spaces can improve comfort, health, and productivity.

Finally, it may be said that physical space in the built environment is an important component of the built environment that influences human behaviour, wellbeing, and quality of life. When creating and developing the built environment, designers and planners should take into account the functional, social, and environmental elements of physical space.

12.1 LIGHTING

Lighting plays a crucial role in regulating our mood, behaviour, and cognitive function. Adequate lighting, both in terms of brightness and colour temperature, is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive environment.

Bright lighting, also known as high-intensity lighting, has been shown to improve mood and cognitive function. For example, natural daylight has been linked to increased energy, better moods, and higher productivity levels. Bright light therapy is also used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other mood-related conditions.

On the other hand, poor lighting, such as dim or flickering lights, can cause eye strain, headaches, and even lead to stress and anxiety. Poor lighting can also negatively impact our ability to see and perform tasks, leading to decreased productivity and even safety hazards.

It's important to ensure that lighting in homes and workplaces is bright enough to support wellbeing and cognitive function. This can be achieved through the use of natural light, as well as through the addition of artificial lighting sources, such as LED lights. It's also crucial to adjust lighting levels and color temperature to match the time of day and the task at hand, to create a healthy and conducive environment.

Contrary to popular opinion, there is no solid proof that colour has a consistent impact on one's mood, emotions, or psychological well-being. While there is evidence to support colour preferences, individual and fleeting emotional responses to colour are more common. However, light levels, particularly the quantity of daylight exposure, have an effect on psychological health. The quantity of exposure to daylight can cause depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

70 People who are regularly exposed to reduced daylight hours experience greater melancholy, exhaustion, and, in some cases, severe depression. In comparison to darkly lit rooms, patients hospitalised for severe depression recover more rapidly in sunny environments. The crucial factor in SAD is light level, not spectral frequency. 72 Insufficient window light exposure caused schoolchildren's natural cortisol circadian cycles to be altered in Swedish research. Additionally, negatively impacted were distractibility and cooperative social interaction in the classroom.

[Fig.13] Effects of light on human health ©cindrebay.com

12.2 COLOR

Colors play a significant role in the built environment, and how people experience and interact with spaces. Different colors can evoke different emotions, moods and influence behavior. This impact of color on emotions has been extensively studied in the field of psychology and design.

For instance, blue is often associated with calmness, tranquillity and stability, making it a popular choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, and spaces where relaxation is desired. Green is often linked with nature, growth, and freshness, making it a popular choice for outdoor spaces and areas meant to evoke a sense of nature. Yellow is often associated with cheerfulness, optimism, and warmth, making it a popular choice for kitchens, dining rooms and other spaces meant to evoke a sense of energy and positivity. Conversely, dark colors like black or dark grey can create a sense of weight, formality and sophistication, making them suitable for formal or professional spaces like offices. On the other hand, red is often linked with passion, energy, and excitement, making it suitable for spaces like gym, entertainment or game rooms.

In conclusion, the impact of color on emotions and behavior in the built environment is a complex interplay between individual perception, cultural context, and historical associations. Architects, designers and builders must consider this impact when selecting colors for a space to create an environment that supports the desired mood, function, and experience.

12.3 AIR QUALITY

Poor air quality refers to the presence of pollutants in the air that can have adverse effects on human health and the environment. These pollutants can include particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, among others.

Exposure to poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Inhaling these pollutants can irritate the lungs and airways, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Additionally, poor air quality can also cause headaches and fatigue, as well as harm cognitive function, especially in children and older adults. Exposure to high levels of air pollution can also impact mental health, leading to depression and anxiety.

It is important to monitor and regulate air quality to reduce exposure to these harmful pollutants and protect public health. This can include implementing measures to reduce emissions from transportation, industry, and agriculture, as well as promoting the use of clean energy sources.

12.4 NOISE LEVELS

Noise is defined as unwanted or excessive sound. Excessive noise levels can have adverse effects on both physical and mental health.

One of the main effects of excessive noise is stress. Continuous exposure to loud noise can increase levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and frustration. This can also result in decreased concentration and impaired decision-making abilities.

Excessive noise can also disturb sleep, causing sleep deprivation and leading to a range of health problems, including fatigue, decreased cognitive function, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to physical health effects, excessive noise can also decrease productivity in the workplace. It can lead to decreased motivation, increased absenteeism, and decreased job satisfaction, among other factors.

It is important to regulate noise levels in order to minimize these negative effects. This can include measures such as soundproofing, using noise barriers, and limiting the hours of noisy activities, among others. By reducing exposure to excessive noise, individuals can reduce stress levels, improve sleep, and increase productivity.

Exposure to nature has numerous positive effects on both physical and mental health. Research has shown that spending time in natural environments, such as parks, gardens, and forests, can have a positive impact on mood, stress levels, and cognitive function.

Nature has been found to have a calming effect on the body and mind, reducing stress levels and promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being. This can be attributed to the presence of natural elements such as plants, water features, and green spaces, which are known to stimulate the senses and provide a sense of calm and peace.

In addition, exposure to nature has also been linked to increased cognitive function, including improved memory and attention span. Spending time in green spaces has been shown to enhance creativity, problem-solving abilities, and overall cognitive performance.

Furthermore, nature can also have positive effects on physical health, such as reducing blood pressure, improving heart rate, and boosting immunity.

Overall, exposure to nature provides numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Incorporating more natural elements into daily life, such as spending time in parks and gardens, can have a positive impact on overall well-being.

13. THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY DESIGN ON HEALTH

People frequently get sentimental about places that have had a significant impact on their life. People frequently have strong emotional ties to the areas where they have fond recollections and exper iences.

People can form their strongest bonds to locations that they find especially alluring, choose to v isit, or that encourage forming strong social bonds and connections. Place attachment, as define d by psychologists, is a concept that designers and planners may utilise to foster strong emotion al ties between a person and a location. However, by making attractive, socially supportive, an d inviting spaces, architects, designers, and planners may raise the probability that these bonds form. There will be significant repercussions if we can ensure that these areas are a part of every community, college, and commercial area. People who have an emotional connection to a neighbourhood, park, or other location are more devoted to the neighbourhood, report higher levels of wellbeing, and are less likely to relocate than those who have a weaker connection. Every neighbourhood, campus, and business district will experience significant effects. People who have an emotional connection to a neighbourhood, park, or other location are more devoted to the neighbourhood, report better levels of wellbeing, and are less inclined to relocate than those who have a weaker connection.

There are significant effects on mental health from built environment design. A variety of negative effects, from social retreat and decreased cooperative behaviour to increases in psychological discomfort and even depression, are linked to crowded, loud, decrepit, dangerous, and environments that lack natural areas. Increases in minor aggression, violence, and serious violence have also been associated with these illnesses. The good news is that there are certain aspects of the built environment that support mental wellness. The social capital, the social relationships, the contentment, and eventually the safety of communities are all increased in environments that provide neighbours the chance to get to know one another. Green spaces at work, home, and school assist people focus attention at greater levels by reducing mental tiredness. People are more likely to pay attention at greater levels when they are in green environments at home, work, and school rather than when they are not able to see their surroundings clearly or have access to green places.

14. THE BENEFITS OF GOOD DESIGN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

There is a significant link between the design of urban spaces and public health, both in the recent past and historically. Better sanitation standards, building rules, and healthcare facilities helped to decrease the spread of diseases like cholera and tuberculosis in cities in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

However, in the 21st century, these public health hazards have been replaced by another epidemic - a sharp increase in the number of adults with chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Research suggests these non-communicable diseases are caused by lifestyle factors such as lack of physical activity and unhealthy diets, leading to diseases that are both debilitating and costly.

There are also other health issues related to urban living. City dwellers face a higher risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and mood disorders. Poor health in urban workplaces also has significant consequences, including lost productivity and increased absenteeism, with employers bearing the costs. This highlights the need for addressing employee well-being through effective and scalable solutions that can reverse unhealthy habits. As planners, designers, and architects, we have the power to enhance the overall well-being of society by designing physical environments that encourage healthy lifestyles. We should view well-being as a holistic aspect that influences all aspects of city life. Design professionals can address health and wellness for urban residents in both the workplace and beyond. The two areas are merging to support the ultimate goal of complete well-being.

To address the growing global health problems of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, enhancing walkability and providing alternative transportation options are crucial strategies at the urban level. There is a strong connection between physical design and social capital, as denser urban areas provide access to transportation, cultural centers, amenities, and retail services, which have been linked to increased happiness. The concept of "transit-oriented healthy development," introduced by Gensler Los Angeles Planning & Urban Design, provides a framework for implementing these ideas at different scales. The workplace has become a proving ground for incorporating well-being design strategies on a smaller scale, with developers and employers increasingly embracing the idea that well-being design can positively impact the work environment.

16. SURVEY BASED ANALYSIS

As we address the formal and informal space, as well as the territorial demands of the built environment in architecture. Here is a survey-based study of the room I occupied in the girl's hostel during my first year of college. I went through various psychological experiences after moving to the single-sitter room. Then I made the decision to move to a building with a mixed-age population of residents. These three events each had a distinctive effect on how I go about my everyday activities and how I think. We become what we consume. We shall discuss each of these in more depth below.

16.1 GIRLS HOSTEL ROOM

One has to engage with students from a wide range of disciplines when living in a hostel. Dining tables, public gathering places, restrooms, and other amenities must be shared by everyone. There are many learning possibilities and community building becomes easier.

Living in a college dormitory or girls' hostel can have a range of psychological effects on students. Here are some of the potential psychological effects of living in a college hostel: Socialization: Living in close quarters with other students can provide opportunities for socialization and building relationships. This can be a positive experience for many students, as it can help them feel connected and part of a community.

1. Stress: Living in a hostel can also be stressful for some students, especially those who struggle with anxiety or have trouble adapting to new environments. The pressure to fit in, the lack of privacy, and the added responsibility of living on their own can all contribute to feelings of stress.

2. Independence: Living in a hostel can help students develop independence and selfreliance. They have to take care of themselves, manage their time, and handle responsibilities, which can be beneficial in the long run.

3. Homesickness: Being away from home for the first time can cause homesickness, especially for students who come from close-knit families. This can be a difficult experience, but it can also help students develop resilience and independence.

4. Academic performance: Living in a hostel can also have an impact on academic performance. For some students, the distractions and social pressures of hostel life can make it harder to focus on their studies, while for others, the independence and social support provided by hostel life can lead to improved academic performance.

Overall, the psychological effects of living in a college hostel can be positive or negative, depending on individual circumstances and experiences. It is important for students to be aware of the potential challenges and opportunities of hostel life and to take steps to address any issues that arise.