Neuroarchitecture for mental health and well-being in an urban context

Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities—a proportion expected to rise to 70% by 2050. At the same time, we are witnessing a global increase in mental health issues. Urban life offers opportunities for work, education, and culture, but also exposes residents to noise, air pollution, and stress. Research shows that city dwellers are more likely to experience stress-related problems – yet the links between urban design and mental health remain not fully understood.

The project investigates how the built environment affects the brain and our mental well-being, using principles from neuroarchitecture and neurodesign. By analyzing data from University College London, the study identifies stress factors and health-promoting elements in urban environments. Urban planning is a complex process in which multiple goals and interests – economic, ecological, and social – must be balanced. The project also aims to explore how health considerations can be integrated more clearly and systematically into this process, ensuring that these aspects are effectively addressed when shaping the cities of the future.

The goal is to develop methods, policies, and/or digital tools that make it possible to understand and predict how different urban designs affect human health. In the long term, the research aims to contribute to guidelines and standards for incorporating mental health into urban development. With a stronger scientific foundation for how the environment influences the brain, we can create cities that are not only sustainable and functional but also enhance people’s well-being and quality of life.

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