Mental Health
A number of studies have demonstrated how direct contact with vegetation or nature leads to increased mental health and psychological development. Recent data show that depression and other mental-health disorders will account for some of the world's largest health problems in upcoming decades. People do not have to actively use nature to benefit from it; rather, visual exposure is enough. It is important to consider that different groups of people have differing views of what constitutes nature in the built environment, with variation by education level, age, ethnicity, profession, residential location, etc.
Design for Health (DFH) Materials
- Planning Information Sheet: Influencing Mental Health with Comprehensive Planning and Ordinances (622 KB)
- Key Questions Research Summary: Mental Health (866 KB)
- Image Resources
- Topical Planning Guides
- Comprehensive Plan Review Checklists
- Example Plans
Other Resources
- Healthy Nature Healthy People
This systematic review of the literature on parks and human health finds benefits in stress reduction. Published in Health Promotion International it is available at many university libraries.
- The Role of the Built Environment in Supporting Active Living and Health: A Review of Research Findings (13 MB. It may take a few moments to open.)
This presentation from Active Living by Design covers the findings from a variety of researchers. It is divided into three main sections: "What is the built environment?"; "Effects of the built environment on behavior, natural environment, health, and society"; and "Active community environments and their impact on health."
- Active Living Research: Tools and Measures
This Web site provides links to over fifteen urban-design and park audit tools, produced by researchers from a variety of institutions, including the University of Minnesota, Harvard School of Public Health, and the University of Western Australia.
- InformeDesign
InformeDesign is a research and communication tool for designers. Its search engine provides research summaries on many health themes. Each article summary has the following elements: design issue, design criteria, key concepts, research method, limitations, and commentary.
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