RESEARCH PAPER
Exploring the nexus of mental health and non-park urban greenery: A design framework for urban salutogenesis
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Architecture and Urban Planning, Poznań University of Technology (Politechnika Poznańska), Polska
Submission date: 2023-12-29
Acceptance date: 2024-04-18
Publication date: 2024-08-26
Corresponding author
Marcelo Sagot-Better
Architecture and Urban Planning, Poznań University of Technology (Politechnika Poznańska), Jacka Rychlewskiego 2, 61-131, Poznań, Polska
Architektura, Urbanistyka, Architektura Wnętrz 2023;17 Wydanie Specjalne
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ABSTRACT
As our comprehension of urban green space deepens in relation to an evolving narrative of mental health, it is necessary to develop new methodological approaches to the greenery in our cities: equally focused on its twofold role in promoting urban ecology and improving inhabitants’ well-being. The paper is an introduction to an individual research project underscoring this shift in methodological perspectives towards non-park urban greenery (NPUG) by advancing a new technical approach to analyze its design. The study will focus on the greenery that exists in between or adjacent to urban green spaces and examines to what extent NPUG can be substantial in maintaining or fostering inhabitants’ mental health through daily access during urban commutes. Accordingly, the empirical work will encompass green verges, meadows, green roofs, living walls and other forms of NPUG in the city of Poznan as a case study.
The project aims to develop a novel methodological approach based on emerging analytical algorithms and technological devices in order to investigate a particular aspect of the relationship between environment and health: accessibility to NPUG and its effects on mental well-being. Consequently, the proposed Data-Driven analysis of existing NPUG in Poznan will be focused on measuring three perceptual characteristics: street desirability, cognitive comfort and perceived safety. By examining this potential impact on our individual and collective well-being, the study will provide innovative insights for urban scientists and policymakers to reconceptualize existing NPUG or development strategies for new UGS.