Mental health and architecture: how parks and squares influence well-being?

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately started to feel a sense of well-being? 

Whether by the colors used or the arrangement of elements in the room, the truth is that we don't always know how to rationalize the factors that lead us to have good feelings in certain environments, but we know that they are there. 

The relationship between mental health and architecture is a topic studied by numerous fields of psychology and architecture itself. These studies take into account the social and emotional factors that can contribute to the creation of more pleasant environments. 

In this article, we talk a little more about how the spaces we frequent can contribute to our mental health. Good reading!

How important is mental health?

Until recently, mental health was considered a taboo subject. Although this topic is discussed more frequently today, popularizing the topic and naturalizing the search for care, we still have a long way to go in the search for a more mentally healthy society. 

As important as taking care of physical health, turning your attention to mental health is increasingly necessary, even if it is still not possible to identify symptoms or problems. 

Is there a relationship between mental health and architecture?

The environments we frequent directly impact our mental health, but we are not always aware of this influence. 

In addition to functionality, today, architecture also focuses on making environments more pleasant for those who inhabit them. For this, there are a number of resources that can be used, but the use of natural elements is one of the most popular. 

Contact with nature – whether through vegetation or the use of natural elements in furniture, for example – contributes to the creation of a more elegant environment, which inspires calm. 

Custom architecture projects are also capable of efficiently translating the objectives of those who will visit the environment, promoting greater well-being.

How parks and squares help mental and physical health

The relationship between mental health and architecture it can also be observed in public environments, such as squares, parks and other urban constructions. They can offer a welcome change of perspective, especially in large cities surrounded by concrete on all sides. 

A study promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that frequenting green areas can help people control their levels of depression and anxiety, in addition to relieving stress. 

The quality of these green areas is also important, according to surveys. The place needs to have the adequate structure to promote the safe use of its facilities. It is clear, therefore, the importance of architectural planning in this sense.

See too: Projeto de academia ao ar livre: por que é importante?

The importance of coexistence architecture: discover the work of Plantar Ideias

Plantar Ideias knows very well the relationship between mental health and architecture and, therefore, uses concepts related to the theme in its projects. 

Whether in corporate, private or public spaces, we believe in the power of architecture to promote well-being. Visit our website and discover all our projects!

Check also: Parques urbanos | Projetos de praças

pessoas em um ambiente tranquilo conversando e descansando