Designing for Connection to Alleviate Urban Stress
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Abstract
Today, it is estimated that over half of the world’s
population are living in urban areas. With the ever-rising
totals of the human population locating to the urban
environment, the effects that the built environment has
on well-being is more relevant now than ever. While
urbanization has been a positive force in economic
growth & opportunity, living in such dense areas
also poses major social ramifications such as the
manifestation of “urban stress”.
Urban stress can lead to uncomfortable living conditions
& greater risk of health problems. Some causes of this
phenomenon include but are not limited to the absence
of green space, lack of access to services & activities,
& poor quality housing which can lead to feelings of
overcrowding, social deprivation, depression.
This project focuses on the stress-reduction that may be
achieved through different avenues of community-based
activity: living, learning, working, & socializing. Another
key aspect to this building’s design is the integration of
green spaces throughout. It is through these connections
to community & nature that people may destress, reenergize,
& re-focus.