Ever had one of those days where the hustle and bustle of city life just gets too much, and you crave a serene spot to unwind? Whether it's lounging on a park bench with a book or simply stretching out on grass, finding a place to relax is essential for our mental and physical well-being. And the way our public spaces are designed can make all the difference.
It turns out our brains are wired to find relief in nature. In an article on Urbact, Tamas Kallay (2020) highlights the restorative effects natural environments have on our bodies and minds – from reduced stress levels, to improved general mood, to better cognitive functioning and enhanced creativity. Although swinging in a hammock under a tree may seem like a moment of pure disconnection, what we are actually doing is taking care of our well-being. But why do some urban spaces naturally invite us to relax, while others leave us feeling more stressed? What transforms a simple city square or a park into a haven of tranquillity? You may be now thinking about your favourite oasis of calmness in the city. What are the ements make this place your go-to for relaxation?
Urban planners and designers face the challenge of creating spaces that cater to everyone's need for relaxation. How do we create environments that offer a retreat from the urban chaos, yet are accessible and enjoyable for all?
When evaluating how a space facilitates relaxation with our Good Public Space Assessment method, we ask: are there inviting spots to sit or lie down? Are there elements of nature that invite unwind? Can one find a sense of peace and tranquillity?
Let’s take Doelstraat in Rotterdam, for instance. A small, mostly dark, side street in the heart of the city centre, with hardly ever any bustling, though all too often full of parked cars. Imagine redesigning this space with relaxation in mind. What could it become? A calm waterway park with benches? A green oasis where employees from nearby offices unwind during breaks? Or a serene spot where elderly residents can enjoy leisurely chats amidst nature?
This exercise reveals that there’s no universal formula for a perfect public space: to some, the sound of water could be overwhelming, while to others, a lot of trees may be a must. However, by exploring different design possibilities, we can start thinking more creatively about how to meet diverse relaxation needs in urban environments.
This post is the second of nine chapters where we dive into our approach to creating Good Public Space and explore the elements of our model.
In the next part, we’ll explore the joy of eating and drinking in public space. How about a nice picnic?
Stay tuned to discover more about how public spaces can support activities that are vital for our health and well-being!
Marta Nosowicz – Urban Planning Specialist
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