Healing Public Spaces: The Role of Urban Design in Enhancing the Mental Health of Migrants: A Case Study of Shiraz Metropolis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Prof., Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

2 Master student of Urban Design, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Migration is generally a stressful experience; factors such as unfamiliarity with a new environment and a sense of attachment to the previous one can lead to psychological tension and mood instability. With the globalization of cities and advancements in infrastructure, urban areas have become hubs of commuting, noise, and pollution, which not only influence human behaviors and reactions but often result in stress and tension among individuals. Although previous studies have investigated environmental stress and the impact of environmental interventions on public mental health, the concept of environmental stress has not been examined from the perspective of urban migrants. Consequently, the specific factors and dimensions influencing the effects of environmental stress on the mental health of urban migrants remain unclear. This quantitative study, categorized as applied research, aims to analyze the impact of environmental stress indicators on the mental health of migrants in Shiraz metropolis through a descriptive-analytical method. The necessary data were collected through documentary-library-internet studies and a five-point questionnaire completed by 384 migrants residing in Shiraz. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software and relevant statistical tests. The results indicate a significant inverse relationship between environmental and social indicators of environmental stress and the mental health of migrants. This implies that experiences related to environmental and social stressors—including air pollution, water contamination, noise pollution, waste accumulation, overcrowding, daily hassles, and poor social relationships—directly contribute to a notable decline in the mental health of migrants in Shiraz metropolis. Urban design can play a crucial role in alleviating environmental stress for migrants by implementing specific design ideas aimed at enhancing mental well-being and creating supportive public spaces.

Highlights

  • Urban design can alleviate environmental stress by creating supportive public spaces.
  • This paper has investigated the impact of environmental stress on immigrants' mental health, for the first time.
  • The environmental and social aspects of urban environmental stress negatively impact the mental well-being of immigrants

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 12 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 19 November 2024
  • First Publish Date: 19 January 2025
  • Publish Date: 19 January 2025

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