Yesterday I talked with someone who is interested in winning a large public contract. He wanted our input. The scheme he is bidding on has a healthy community focus. He said he had CPTED covered, but it soon became apparent that he had not considered MHTED. In summary, this is what I told him: Crime prevention through environmental design CPTED is a hot topic as city authorities embrace topics likely to buy votes.
However, Mental Health Through Environmental Design MHTED (a term coined by me) is potentially more valuable as it touches on so many more issues that add social and economic cost to our communities. Crime is just one potential negative behaviour associated with poor mental health. Substance abuse, obesity, binge drinking, child and aged persons neglect impact our communities, our educational outcomes and aspirations, our ability to access a decent quality of life.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has just published its first report on suicide. Suicide rates have reached the point where prevention strategies need to be looked and and talked about locally, nationally and internationally. Numerous research studies have shown the link between soft landscapes, green design and positive mental health. Environmental design has been shown to be a cost-effective intervention for mental health.
Whether we are designing natural playgrounds for children, community gardens, not-for-profit community enterprise spaces, affordable housing, mixed use planning affords increased social connections. Salutogenic design provides more green space, sensory gardens, a general softer, more engaging, accessible "green design" focus. Positive social and nature connections have been found to be key to promoting good mental and physical health . Where we have attractive, accessible spaces we benefit socially, economically and environmentally.
My book, a new accessible academic text is now in print. Routledge Press, London published it last month and it is now available directly from them, and through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online bookstores. Landscape and Urban Design for Health and Well-Being, discusses the issues and suggests environmental design alternatives. We need to de-stigmatise mental health and focus on design and delivery of truly engaging, inclusive, accessible communities as a win:win for all.
However, Mental Health Through Environmental Design MHTED (a term coined by me) is potentially more valuable as it touches on so many more issues that add social and economic cost to our communities. Crime is just one potential negative behaviour associated with poor mental health. Substance abuse, obesity, binge drinking, child and aged persons neglect impact our communities, our educational outcomes and aspirations, our ability to access a decent quality of life.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has just published its first report on suicide. Suicide rates have reached the point where prevention strategies need to be looked and and talked about locally, nationally and internationally. Numerous research studies have shown the link between soft landscapes, green design and positive mental health. Environmental design has been shown to be a cost-effective intervention for mental health.
Whether we are designing natural playgrounds for children, community gardens, not-for-profit community enterprise spaces, affordable housing, mixed use planning affords increased social connections. Salutogenic design provides more green space, sensory gardens, a general softer, more engaging, accessible "green design" focus. Positive social and nature connections have been found to be key to promoting good mental and physical health . Where we have attractive, accessible spaces we benefit socially, economically and environmentally.
My book, a new accessible academic text is now in print. Routledge Press, London published it last month and it is now available directly from them, and through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online bookstores. Landscape and Urban Design for Health and Well-Being, discusses the issues and suggests environmental design alternatives. We need to de-stigmatise mental health and focus on design and delivery of truly engaging, inclusive, accessible communities as a win:win for all.
