ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a method to predict ratings of perceived urban stress in outdoor spaces. It introduces four categories of environmental properties to describe perceived urban stress: open space typology, syntactical, isovist characteristics and urban density. The chapter explores the role of perceived urban stress in creating quality open spaces that invite physical activity and promote mental health. The effect of building coverage ratio is 1.5 times stronger than the effect of visibility. These results underline the call for a wider spectrum of parks and gardens, which includes ‘small public spaces’ such as courtyards, free lots and squares, providing a greater mix of vistas to open public space. The data gained in our survey confirm that perimeter is positively related to perceived urban stress, with a high share of 14% in all built environment factors. More empirical data would allow planners and decision makers to prioritize and orchestrate design interventions with respect to mental health and stress.
