It's an Inside Job

Restorative Cities: Designing Urban Spaces for Mental Wellbeing.

Season 3 Episode 23

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Ever wondered how the design of our cities and infrastructure can influence our mental health and wellbeing? What if the key to better mental health lies in the quality of the spaces where we live, work, and play? If you're curious about the intersection of urban design and mental health, this episode is for you.

Welcome to today's episode, where we'll be discussing the critical role that design and infrastructure play in our mental health and wellbeing. Our guest today is Jenny Roe, Professor and Director of the Center for Design & Health at the University of Virginia. As an environmental psychologist and former head of Landscape Architecture for an international architectural practice, Jenny brings a wealth of experience to the table. She is a renowned expert in the field of restorative environments and their impact on mental health, with a particular emphasis on public parks and urban green space.

In her latest book, Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and Wellbeing, co-authored with Layla McCay, Jenny explores a groundbreaking approach to designing cities that prioritize mental health. Her newly published book, Infrastructure, Wellbeing and Measurement of Happiness, co-authored with Yara Mahmoudi and Rebecca Seaman, continues this theme by delving into the connection between infrastructure and happiness. Join us as we unpack the fascinating insights that Jenny has to offer on how design can be leveraged to support our mental and emotional wellbeing.:

Imagine living in a city designed to enhance your mental health and wellbeing. 

By listening to this episode, you can:

  1. Understand the Impact of Design: Learn about the critical role that urban design and infrastructure play in supporting mental health.
  2. Explore Restorative Environments: Discover the concept of restorative environments and how access to high-quality spaces can promote wellbeing.
  3. Gain Practical Insights: Get practical tips on how to improve your own environment to support mental and emotional health.

Three Benefits You'll Gain:

  1. Enhanced Mental Health: Understand how the quality of your living, working, and recreational spaces impacts your mental health.
  2. Informed Awareness: Learn about the global inequities in access to restorative environments and why this is a critical health issue.
  3. Actionable Strategies: Gain practical tips on how to leverage design principles to create spaces that enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.

Learn how you can leverage the power of design to improve your environment and enhance your mental health. 

Jenny Roe's  contact information: 
Email:             jjr4b@virginia.edu
Website:      www.jennyjroe.com
LinkedIn:     @JennyRoe
Twitter:        @JennyRoe

Jenny Roe's Book:
Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and WellBeing



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