A Systematic Literature Review on the impact of Open Spaces on human physiological and mental well-being in post-pandemic housing in Urban Context: impact of Open Spaces on human physiological and mental well-being in post-pandemic housing in Urban Context

Abstract

India is a developing country with rapid urbanization today. Due to this urbanization the extent of green spaces has drastically reduced [15].This has led to alarming negative impacts on our urban spaces which was further accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. In turn, it has become more relevant than ever to increase the human-nature interaction in urban residential spaces. [1, 8]. A number of researches have pointed out how experiences with nature can reduce underlying mental and physical health issues, all while improving the quality of life. [5] Most researches observe that the quality of open spaces is context dependent. [4] There have been plenty of researches observing the importance of open spaces in housing, but most of them follow a broad spectrum of users and very few address the inequality of green space distribution among different communities [10]. The wealthier communities enjoy quality open spaces for recreation and lower income groups lack access to quality open spaces. [3] Owing to their poor living conditions and lack of urban spaces these disadvantaged sections of the community are most exposed to physiological stress caused by the pandemic and poorly designed urban spaces. [9].

This research aims at reviewing the literature to explore various components of an open space and its impact on human physiological and mental well-being addressing the inequality in the distribution of open spaces in urban areas. It also aims at exploring the various factors that can improve the quality of life in low-income settlements by incorporating these open spaces.

The literature review identified that the user perception with respect to various typologies of neighborhoods open spaces such as courtyards, balconies, transition spaces among others have not been studied, it also reveals that there is least focus on how open space improves social life of residents- which is an aspect in improving overall well-being and no studies were addressing design strategies with respect to different types of possible open spaces in housing especially for low income groups.

The outcome of the research proposes design recommendations towards provision of green spaces and correlated features to enhance its impact on the users which are associated with the improved residents’ health in such residential areas. It also looks at the quality of open spaces and assesses how it can be applied for the disadvantaged sections of the society to ensure equal distribution of open spaces among people.