Mind the GAPS and Mental health

Looking back to the feedback from design crit, it was suggested that we need to think holistically in a sense how people will interact, audience context, and accessibility  for people who are not in close distance with the tree.

We did some research about urban planning and mental health and discovered some of design practices that take society mental well being as part of urban planning.  Aiming to create a positive physical and social environment for mental health, the centre of urban design and mental health designed a framework called Mind the GAPS. 

Green places

Nature and green places are believed to increase people’s mood and well being.Considering regular green place exposure to people daily routine and also maintaining the green places so they don’t become public disturbance.

Active places

Physical activities and exercises are proven to improve people’s health physically and mentally. Designing a space that promotes opportunities to physical movement like open gym can increase mental well being, social interactions, and sense of control to people’s daily routine. Another practice is to incorporate active transport system by  creating more walkable space during commuting activity, provide public bikes and safety lane for bikers.  

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - source : Ilikelondon.co.uk

Pro social places

Designing public spaces that promote positive social connection, sense of community at every stage; as observant or active community participant. The concrete examples are chess table installed in the park, street benches, placing pianos in train stations could encourage people to play and enjoy music. 

Safety places

People need to feel safe and secure to have a positive mental health. It is crucial to design spaces that protect people from urban disturbance such as traffic, pollution, risks of negative intention from other people. Landmarks, street light, cues for navigation, air safety alert, and restricting public and private spaces are samples of practices.

Taking these aspects into the picture, we will explore more interactive solutions with our mood tree.