2.2 Literature Review

Figure 4: How active is defined

Aesthe�c of place

Note

: By,

Author (2022)

Physical health benefits related to living an ac�ve lifestyle are constantly documented but the psychological benefits are just as important. All studies show a posi�ve correla�on between overall psychological health and being ac�ve. Some clearly sta�ng that ‘Happier people live more ac�ve lives’ (Lathia et al, 2017). Others considering how the no�on of exercising neurologically makes us happier (experienced). The release of hormones during exercise (endorphins) help us to relieve pain and stress whilst contemporary research is also presen�ng a strong link between movement and overall cogni�ve func�on (Eberhard, 2009., NHS, 2020., & Roe & McCay, 2021). Strong links to parts of the brain also impacted by the most common mental health disorders, depression, anxiety and stress, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala have also been established (SoP, 2017 & Fox et al, 2000).

Integra�ng ac�ve travel into urban designs is a key considera�on within the NHS; it is a key principle in the ‘healthy new towns’ ini�a�ve. (NHS England, 2015). Roe and McCay, 2021, introduce again, the importance of ‘place aesthe�cs’ in increase curiosity and in turn improve probability of ac�ve travel whereas others argue more simple methods such as designing wider streets or including more cycle spaces is enough to encourage it (Kennedy et al, 2009,& Jacobs, 1962).

The importance of being ac�ve on mental health is clear, but as designers we cannot expect people to be ac�ve without interven�ons to encourage the healthier lifestyle. Whether the use of wider streets, the removal of cars or even the placement of ameni�es is used it cannot be something that is forgo�en among all the other crucial aspects of crea�ng happiness in urban development.

Note : By, Author (2022)

It is widely reported that the natural environment has a posi�ve impact on both physical and mental health. Biophilia theory states that humans are “innately a�racted to nature” (Wilson, 1984) and argues that without urban interven�ons society should automa�cally be posi�vely affected by the natural environment. This theory is backed up with Implicit associa�on test undertaken where “par�cipants automa�cally associate the concept ‘nature’ with ‘approach’ and ‘city’ with ‘avoidance’” (Schiebel, Gallinat, & Kuhn, 2022). Ulrich’s stress reduc�on theory focuses on how nega�ve emo�ons can be reduced by the natural environment (Ulrich, 1984, p.420), a theory that’s effec�veness is argued due to ‘perceived oppressiveness’ par�cularly in high density urban se�ngs (Luo, & Jiang, 2022). Even with this argument the importance of green space in terms of happiness is clear.

Note : From Restorative Cities : Urban design for mental health and wellbeing by

Roe & McCay (2021)

It has been established that green space has a posi�ve effect on us, but for designers to simply add ‘green space’ to the urban fabric is not enough, we need to understand what makes a healthy green zone. Roe and McCay, 2021, split the effects of green space into two environmental parts; see figure 6. Although this diagram doesn’t only focus on environmental factors and how they affect our mental wellbeing it does state some key ideas on the aspects of a green space that actually posi�vely impact our wellbeing. Channon, 2018 considers ‘environment’ factors in more depth with ideas of, ‘providing views of nature’, ‘escape from the urban’ and ‘improving ecology and biodiversity’ as key concepts when crea�ng a green space. Allowing views to nature backs up theory of biophilia; sta�ng that having a visual connec�on with the natural environment will support overall wellbeing and can be achieved simply by increase amount of green space.

As discussed many sta�s�cs state the nega�ve impact of ‘the urban’ and therefore escaping it into a biodiverse area will no doubt have a posi�ve effect. Many authors have stated the importance of biodiversity through their defini�on of the ‘quality’ of a green space sta�ng that there is an increase in posi�ve effect when the space is more biodiverse (Van de Berg et al, 2007 & Bowler et al, 2010). Although, research shows different important aspects of green space it is obvious that: the implica�ons of having access to green space, the quality of the green space and having sufficient green space are crucial to seeing the benefits that the natural environment has.