Signal 4: Urban Planning for Better Mental Health
Rapid advancements in technology have paved the way for smart cities from self-driving cars to home automation. But in this quest to ingratiate technology in every aspect of the city dweller’s lives, we have forgotten to account for their mental well-being.
“The frenetic, isolating nature of city life can be a day-to-day struggle for millions of people. An environmental cocktail of densely packed streets and homes, cramped and lengthy commutes and noise pollution as well as significant pockets of poverty and deprivation can take their toll. As a result, mental ill health and urban life are inextricably linked. “ — The Guardian
Mental health is detrimental to the productivity of cities. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), economic costs associated with mental illness amount to 4% of national GDP.
Urban planning can help alleviate this condition by coming up with designs to combat stress and depression. Strategic placement of green spaces across the cities is a possible solution to lower the anxiety and improve attention levels. Designing residential areas with less exposure to noise so that the residents have better sleep is another possible way. Boosting vitamin D levels by providing access to natural light in urban spaces is also an option which can be explored.
That being said, a smart city is not a panacea for all our problems. But one should probably see this concept with a new perspective, the one which also considers the impact on the physical, emotional and mental well being.
References:
1. https://www.urbandesignmentalhealth.com/blog
3. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-city-life-pose-a-risk-to-mental-health/
