Rethinking Urban Being: A Psychological Perspective

A psychologist argues why it is important to seriously rethink your attitude to city life.

Cinema, literature and music have long idealized city life. We hear phrases like "This is where dreams are born," "Cities are places of endless possibilities," "The city is a field for innovation and dreamers."

However, research suggests that this view of the city may have negative consequences for your emotional well-being. City life, with its constant hustle and bustle, can lead to excessive stress and fatigue. Urban design, while beautiful and functional, can sometimes be chaotic and exhausting.

More than half of the world’s population already lives in cities, and that percentage is projected to rise to 70% by 2050. Urbanization has increased significantly in recent years, and the trend is set to continue. So if you’re feeling lonely or frustrated by life in the big city, you’re not alone. But it may be time to rethink your approach to living in this concrete urban labyrinth. Here’s why.

The Relationship between Urban Design and Mental Health.

A 2017 study analyzed the impact of urban environment on mental health. According to the literature review presented in this study, urban design and lifestyle are associated with a variety of social and physical risks:

• Social risks: Associated with urban living include low socioeconomic status, limited social capital and high levels of social segregation. In fact, living in or near deprived areas is associated with poor mental well-being and the risk of developing depression. This association is due to the direct and indirect effects of poverty, poor housing conditions and a lack of social support. Urban life, although rich in opportunities, can also be burdened with stress and strain, which can impact on the mental health of residents. Cities have also historically experienced ethnic residential segregation, which unfortunately continues today, and is associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Urban design, while promoting infrastructure and economic growth, sometimes fails to take into account factors that impact the mental health of city dwellers, such as the availability of green spaces and relaxation spaces.

• Physical risks: The risks associated with urban living are also extensive. Research shows that the level of pollution in urban environments – whether water, air or noise – has a significant impact on mental health. For example, noise pollution from traffic is associated with increased levels of aggression and stress, while light pollution also negatively impacts the sleep of city dwellers. Research also shows that the physical transformation of the urban environment directly impacts mental well-being. For example, cities with many tall buildings that block access to green spaces can increase stress levels and negatively impact mental health. Urban areas are also prone to traffic accidents, crime and violence, which pose a threat to the physical well-being of residents. This holistic view of urban life and urban design helps us understand the importance of balancing the factors that affect mental and physical health in noisy cities to reduce the risk of depression and improve the quality of life in the city.

Overall, the study reveals the less attractive aspects of urban life, challenging us to rethink our ideas about the city. As bustling cities grow, the question arises: is it worth preserving the urban lifestyle given its potential costs?

How to avoid the risks of city life?

The study highlights the need to create physical and social environments that promote the well-being and satisfaction of their inhabitants, indicating that cities have not always been designed with psychological well-being in mind.

The study proposes four key aspects to consider in urban planning and design, based on a review of research:

1. Green Spaces. Being surrounded by green spaces can be effective in improving emotional well-being and overall well-being in urban settings. Having green spaces near your home or during your daily walks not only adds beauty to the surroundings, but also significantly improves your mood, reducing the risk of depression associated with city life. Numerous studies confirm that contact with nature has a positive effect on mental health, as well as physical well-being. Noisy cities with high levels of pollution can have a negative impact on health, both physical and mental, increasing the risk of depression and other mental disorders. Urban design that takes green spaces into account and reduces noise and pollution is essential to creating a positive living and working environment in the city.
2. Active spaces. Integrating regular physical activity into urban infrastructure – from convenient transportation networks for active travel to outdoor sports fields – can improve mood and overall well-being. Simple amenities such as convenient bike paths and outdoor sports fields can directly impact the health and happiness of city residents.
3. Social spaces. Urban planning should promote positive interaction and a sense of belonging by creating attractive and flexible public spaces. Creating attractive meeting places and involving residents in the planning process helps to create spaces that bring people together.
4. Safe places. Feeling safe is key to maintaining mental well-being. Adequate lighting, video surveillance and carefully planned routes may be necessary to achieve inner confidence.

While we may not be able to choose how our cities are designed, we can certainly choose living spaces that have been shown to promote well-being. Choosing neighborhoods with these spaces in mind allows us to exercise autonomy in shaping our daily living environments. Even with limited location and budget, we give ourselves the opportunity to make choices that will positively impact our mental health. Diversity in urban design and architecture also plays a role in our well-being, influencing our stress levels and risk of depression. Noisy cities can have a negative impact on our physical and mental well-being, increasing stress levels and risk of depression. Research shows that urban pollution levels also have a direct impact on our health and well-being.