They can either heighten tension or help ease it. Urban environments designed with greenery, walkable streets, sunlight, and spaces for connection can transform dense cityscapes into restorative places that nurture wellbeing. With urban populations continuing to climb, designing for mental health is no longer a luxury—it’s a public health priority.
Modern life is stressful and a lot of people are feeling the pressure. A global survey by the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) revealed that nearly four in five people report feeling some degree of stress. In cities, that strain on people is intensified. Busy spaces, people always in a rush, constant noise, traffic, pollution and limited access to green space can take their toll on mental health.
More than half the world’s population - 55% - now lives in cities. The number is predicted to increase to 68% by 2050. As our cities grow and larger numbers of people live side by side, it’s important to see and understand the link between urban environments and their impacts on mental health.
Urban life brings opportunity but also unique pressures. Loneliness, air and noise pollution, and long commutes are some of the most consistent contributors to declining mental health in urban environments.
Even in highly populated areas, isolation is common. Studies show that overcrowding can in fact increase loneliness by 38%, highlighting that close proximity doesn’t equate to social connection.
Air pollution is another factor of city life under scrutiny. The physical health risks of poor air quality have been established, but its impact on mental health is being noted. The European Health Interview Survey reports that one in six people in the EU experience mental health issues, with 7.2% suffering from chronic depression. Exposure to air pollutants, particularly fine particulates and nitrogen dioxide, come with higher risks of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Noise pollution also has cumulative effects. Across the European Union, around 100 million people, which is one in five people, are exposed to noise at levels that are harmful to health. Chronic exposure disrupts sleep and elevates stress hormone levels, impacting mental wellbeing negatively over time. The European Environment Agency attributes 48,000 new cases of heart disease and 12,000 premature deaths in Europe each year to noise pollution.
Commuting can further exacerbate stress, with a long time in transit being linked to stress and depressive symptoms. Research across 11 Latin American cities found that every additional 10 minutes spent commuting is associated with a 0.5% higher probability of screening positively for depression. The structure and rhythm of daily mobility directly shape psychological wellbeing.
Urban design can play a crucial role in protecting mental health. When cities are planned around human needs such as connection, movement, nature, and light, they can counteract many of the stressors that urban living creates.
Public plazas, neighbourhood markets, and community gardens can be the foundations for belonging. When people have spaces to gather and participate, rates of loneliness fall and social trust grows, strengthening resilience across communities.
Walkable cities that prioritise pedestrians and cyclists over cars reduce air and noise pollution. They have been shown to improve physical health, and promote casual social interaction. In Australia, evidence shows that walkable urban areas boost local trade by 40% while reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, relieving pressure on healthcare systems.
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Green infrastructure like trees, parks, living walls, and urban forests improves air quality, mitigates heat, and offers psychological respite. Contact with nature has repeatedly been shown to lower stress hormones and improve mood, as explored further in this article on the Impact One website on urban nature and wellbeing.
Access to natural light is an often overlooked health determinant. Well-lit homes, workplaces, and public spaces help regulate circadian rhythms, improve sleep, and support better mental health outcomes.
Collectively, these features on city life create ripple effects. They can reduce healthcare costs, enhance productivity, and strengthen community bonds, proving that wellbeing-oriented design pays both social and economic dividends.
No single model guarantees wellbeing, but several cities are advancing strategies that demonstrate measurable mental health benefits.
In Barcelona, the Superblock programme reorganises traffic flow to reclaim public space for pedestrians and cyclists. Evaluations by BMC Public Health found improvements in emotional health, reduced noise, better sleep, and higher social engagement.
Vancouver’s ambitious Greenway Network aims to ensure every resident lives within a 25-minute walk or 10-minute bike ride of a car-free route connecting parks and neighbourhoods. When complete, the 150 km network will promote active mobility, expand access to nature, and enhance urban biodiversity which will collectively contribute to reduced stress and improved wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Copenhagen, consistently ranked among the world’s happiest cities, demonstrates how inclusive public design fosters belonging. The Superkilen Park, co-created with local residents, transformed a once-divided district into a multicultural space filled with art, recreation, and nature, and is an example of how inclusive design builds social cohesion.
Designing for mental wellbeing is a long-term investment in public health. When streets invite walking, green corridors weave through neighbourhoods, and light and nature are integral to daily life, cities become protective environments rather than sources of stress.
As global stress levels continue to rise, the cities of the future must not only sustain us physically but restore us mentally. Building environments that care for the human mind is one of the most powerful forms of preventative healthcare.
