Investigating the impact of sustainable architecture on the mental health and well-being of users in urban spaces

Seyed Mehdi Rasouli¹ Hamed Ahmadi²

1) PhD in Civil Engineering (Architecture), Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch, Member of the National Elite Foundation
2) PhD in Civil Engineering (Architecture), Islamic Azad University, West Tehran Branch, Member of the National Elite Foundation

IOI Code : AAGF-ABCECF
Publication : 9th International Conference on Applied Researches in Science & Engineering (carseconf.com/9th)
Abstract :
    Sustainable architecture, beyond a purely environmental approach, plays a multidimensional role in promoting the mental health and well-being of users in urban spaces. Therefore, applying principles such as increasing access to natural light, proper ventilation, using environmentally friendly materials, reducing noise and visual pollution, and expanding urban green spaces can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue and enhance the sense of belonging, peace, and satisfaction in citizens. The results also indicate that designing urban spaces based on sustainability leads to improved quality of life and improved mental well-being indicators by strengthening social interactions, increasing physical mobility, and creating a connection between humans and nature. In the meantime, paying simultaneous attention to physical, social, and psychological dimensions in the design process is of particular importance. Finally, it can be concluded that sustainable architecture is not only a tool for reducing the environmental consequences of urbanization, but also an effective platform for shaping healthier, more humane and supportive environments for mental health. The research method used for this research was descriptive, analytical and logical reasoning, and written and library sources were used to collect information. The results of the research show that urban policymakers, designers and architects should consider sustainability principles as one of the main pillars of planning and designing urban spaces with an integrated and evidence-based approach in order to provide a basis for promoting individual and social well-being in contemporary cities.

Keywords : sustainable architecture mental health urban spaces user well being