Designing for Wellbeing: Why Urban Landscapes Matter to Our Health

Urban landscapes aren’t just nice-to-haves, must haves.

In a world where more and more of us live in towns and cities, the spaces between buildings matter more than ever.

They shape how we move, how we feel, how we connect—to ourselves, to others, and to the natural world.

A well-designed urban landscape isn’t just about making places look better—it’s about helping people live better.

Well designed and planned outdoor spaces can have such a powerful impact.

As a landscape designer believe outdoor spaces should work quietly and powerfully in the background of our lives—supporting mental and physical health. A pocket park where you can take five minutes to breathe. A shaded bench where neighbours stop to chat. A path that invites you to walk instead of drive. These small design choices have a big impact on how we experience day lives.

Here’s what good urban landscape design can do for our wellbeing:

• Ease stress and anxiety

  Natural textures, soft planting, and quiet green corners can lower stress hormones and help us feel calmer, more grounded, more ourselves.

  
  

• Encourage movement

  Well-connected paths, playful layouts, and accessible green spaces make walking, cycling, and playing a natural part of daily life—without a gym membership in sight.

  
  

• Foster social connection

  Thoughtfully designed public spaces create natural meeting points where workers can retreat from the busy hussle of the day, and friends and family can enjoy together.
  

• Support all ages and abilities

  From safe routes to school to accessible seating for older adults, inclusive design keeps everyone in mind—and on the move.
  

• Help us reconnect with nature

  Even a small patch of planting or a row of trees can remind us we’re part of something bigger. The buzzing of bees, and singing of birds reminds us we are surrounded by Nature.

Too often, urban spaces are dominated by hard surfaces, noise, and speed. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

We can design places that slow us down in all the right ways. Places that make room for reflection, conversation, play, and pause.

Because when we design for wellbeing, we’re not just creating prettier cities—we’re creating healthier, happier lives.