2.4 Literature Review

Figure 7: How social is defined

Sense of Community

Populated Spaces

Pro social spaces

Local Infrastructure

Note : By, Author (2022)

As we find ourselves in a digital age the importance of social interac�on cannot be overstated. Although, the improvement of interac�on within the community is a social dilemma, the environment that we design can help support this. An increase in social network size has an impact on the brain; it increases the size and therefore effec�veness of the prefrontal cortex (Harré, 2012). The prefrontal cortex is a sec�on of the brain known to have an impact on happiness; Richard Davidson completed a study in the 1990s showing that damage to the prefrontal cortex, specifically the le� side, meant a decrease in sense of enjoyment and in fact, ‘happy’ videos increased ac�vity in this sec�on of the brain (Montgomery, 2013). Valida�ng that social interac�on improves happiness.

Many researchers have stated that loneliness is bad for our mental health, but also, as previously men�oned (Sec�on 2.1) safety is also crucial to causing happiness. Therefore, finding a balance between sociability and safety of place is cri�cal. The idea of altruism, “disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of other” (Soanes, C., & Stevenson, 2009), presents the importance of community spirit in boos�ng mental health (Mental Health Founda�on, N.D.).

Socialisa�on cannot be forced but we can support and encourage it. The ideas of safe, green and ac�ve (previously men�oned) are already contribu�ng factors to encouraging a social space but other infrastructure needs to be in place to further improve overall happiness. Heatherton and Walco�, 2009, split social interac�ons into accidental, repeated, regular and regulated all important in reducing loneliness. These types of socialisa�on, have since been incorporated into concepts of designing for the social. Local infrastructure will not only improve the walkability of space but also allow for the local community to interact; suppor�ng socialisa�on. The social concept of ‘third spaces’ allows for planners to appreciate the importance of pro social infrastructure along with the two usual social spaces, home and work (Roe, & McCay, 2021).

Figure 8: Method of research

Defining Happiness in an Urban Environment

Exploring happiness through four categories.

Note : By, Author (2022)

Measuring ‘Experienced’

Analysing

The effect urbanisa�on has had on happiness

Ways we could minimise any nega�ve effects

The literature reviewed has further presented the importance of mental wellbeing but has also defined happiness in terms of four, measurable components. One case study will be considered analyse how urbanisa�on is affec�ng happiness. Montgomery indicated the importance of the urbanisa�on of small rural towns, “If you are going to talk about a modern city, you have to begin out here, at the edge of the urban blast radius.” (Montgomery, 2013). This idea is something that the NHS (UK) have considered when se�ng up the ‘Healthy New Towns’ program; where they “explore how the development of new places could create healthier and connected communi�es” (NHS, 2015). This program which originated in 2015 is currently using ten demonstrator sites to explore concepts which in the future could be used on a bigger city scale. One of these ten sites is the case study; Bordon and Whitehill. Explora�on of this site will allow a clear understanding of how contemporary urbanisa�on is impac�ng mental health (happiness).

The scheme will incorporate all aspects required by the ‘Healthy New Towns’ concept whilst also having more specific needs based on both historic and current demands of the area. Bordon and Whitehill was historically an army town with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) land being regenerated from 2015 with plans un�l 2036. Although, s�ll in the early stages of this development establishing its effect on mental wellbeing is something that needs to be considered from start to finish. The program aims to deliver 3,350 new homes, various different infrastructure and 80 hectares of alterna�ve green space (NHS England, 2015). The concepts considered and key features of the area (figure 9) are common with many current and planned urban developments, meaning understanding the impact in Bordon and Whitehill will allow for improvements in these other areas.

An understanding of the effect urbanisa�on is having on happiness will be generated by considering both experienced and perceived. Perceived happiness will be examined via a ques�onnaire that has been generated only rela�ng to the four components of happiness defined; using both input and output ques�on types. Fi�y occupants within the Bordon and Whitehill area responded to the ques�onnaire to allow for an analysis between the experienced and perceived. This perceived happiness will be discussed alongside the experienced; measured via collec�on and analysis of available data, plans and knowledge of the area. The method developed will allow for further research and therefore improvements of all areas subject to urbanisa�on throughout the UK and worldwide.

Hampshire Bordon And Whitehill

17,216

3,913/Km² POPULATION DENSITY

4,400 Km² AREA

Population increase

0.71% Per Year