Greenery Urban Design for Good Mental Health. Analysis of a Vulnerable District of Madrid

Abstract

AbstractMental health problems have become one of the major public health concerns in many countries affecting all ages and sectors of the population. From depression to dementia or anxiety, mental health in urban environments is a consequence of a stressful lifestyle as well as many other factors, where the environment where people live is directly related. In this context, green and natural spaces play a major role to increase quality of life and well-being. The relation between care homes or mental health institutions has been historically related directly with green spaces. In this research is presented the relation between green infrastructure and the centres for older people in the district of Usera in the city of Madrid, as well as the urban environment where they are located. In total, 14 centres of the district of Usera in the south of Madrid have been analysed. The aim was to evaluate the current situation of this kind of municipal equipment and to understand the current challenges and opportunities of the existing built environment to create friendly healthier and more inclusive environments. The results show the lack of connectivity and accessibility with green spaces and the challenges of zoning in a district of the consolidated city. Most of the centres that have been studied include a green space inside its limits; however, these spaces are disconnected from the surroundings and are usually kept as decorative elements. The discussion highlights the need of a more multidisciplinary approach to plan urban spaces and the cities, integrating in a coherent strategy the concepts of sustainability, green infrastructure and age-friendliness.KeywordsMental healthGreen spacesOutdoorCare homes