Boring Cities Negatively Impact Public Health and Well-Being

In today’s urban environments, trade, industry, and car-centric designs dominate. This has raised concerns about their impact on human health. Cities like Liverpool, Osaka, and New York exemplify this trend. Their historical growth is tied to industrial and automotive development rather than human well-being. This has led to a rise in illnesses such as depression, cancer, and diabetes.

The Historical Disconnect Between Urban Design and Human Health

For decades, urban design has often prioritized economic and industrial growth over human health. Cities like Liverpool and New York are prime examples of this. The low-density sprawl of modern Riyadh further illustrates this trend. This focus has led to environments that contribute to a range of health issues, including mental health disorders and chronic diseases.

Early Advocates for Human-Centric Urban Design

Visionaries like Jane Jacobs and Jan Gehl were among the first to criticize the inhuman aspects of modern urban design. Their work highlighted the negative impact of barren spaces, brutal expressways, and monotonous constructions on communities. Despite their efforts, their ideas were often marginalized due to a lack of hard evidence and the prevailing architectural trends of the time.

The Rise of Neuroarchitecture

Recent advancements in neuroscientific research and behavioral studies have provided the hard evidence that early advocates lacked. Techniques like wearable devices that measure physiological responses to urban environments are now being used to gather data on how different architectural designs affect human health. This emerging field, known as neuroarchitecture, is gaining traction and influencing modern urban design.

Pioneering Studies and Projects

Several pioneering studies and projects are leading the way in this field. Colin Ellard’s Urban Realities Laboratory at the University of Waterloo in Canada has conducted groundbreaking research. The EU-funded eMOTIONAL Cities project is another significant initiative, running studies in cities like Lisbon, London, Copenhagen, and Michigan. Projects like Sensing Streetscapes in Amsterdam and the Human Architecture and Planning Institute in New York and Washington, DC, are also contributing valuable insights.

The Impact of Building Facades on Health

One of the most intriguing aspects of this research is the impact of building facades on human health. The Humanize Campaign, in partnership with Colin Ellard, is conducting an international study to investigate people’s psychological responses to different building facades. Additionally, Cleo Valentine’s study at the University of Cambridge is exploring whether certain building facades can lead to neuroinflammation, potentially linking architectural design directly to health outcomes.

Real-World Applications

These findings are already being applied in real-world projects. For instance, NORD Architects in Denmark used the latest research on cognitive decline to design the Alzheimer’s Village in Dax, France. This care home mimics the layout of a medieval fortified town to create a familiar and comforting environment for residents with weakened way-finding abilities.

The Future of Urban Design

The construction and building design industries, historically resistant to research, are beginning to embrace these new findings. Generative AI is revolutionizing architecture, and integrating neuroarchitectural insights could lead to even more dramatic changes. Progressive city leaders are also starting to prioritize human well-being alongside economic growth.

Case Study: Newham in East London

Rokhsana Fiaz, the mayor of Newham in East London, has made happiness and health key performance indicators for her economic strategy. This approach reflects a growing recognition of the direct link between urban design and public health. As more sophisticated measurement techniques become available, other city leaders are likely to follow suit.

Conclusion

The growing body of research on the impact of urban design on human health is beginning to influence both architectural practices and public policy.

By integrating neuroscientific findings into urban planning, we can create environments that not only promote health but also enhance the overall quality of life.

The future of urban design lies in creating spaces that are not just functional but also joyful and engaging, ultimately contributing to human prosperity.

For more detailed insights, you can read the original article on Wired.