How City Design Impacts Mental Health, with Jenny Roe, PhD, UDMH Fellow

Speaking of Psychology: Designing cities to improve mental health, with Jenny Roe, PhD
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On the Speaking of Psychology podcast by the American Psychological Association, environmental psychologist Dr. Jenny Roe shares how urban design can play a powerful role in shaping mental well-being, and why cities must be built with psychological health in mind.

Dr. Roe is a Fellow at the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health and co-author of Restorative Cities, written alongside Centre founder Dr. Layla McKay. Her insights are rooted in evidence and advocacy, calling for a new kind of city: one designed to heal.

Here are a few takeaways worth reflecting on:

Nature isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline
Access to greenery, no matter how small, helps reduce stress, restore focus, and improve mental health outcomes. From city parks to street trees and rooftop gardens, the evidence is clear: nature heals.

The built environment can connect or isolate us
Thoughtfully designed public spaces, walk-able neighborhoods, and inclusive design help build trust, connection, and belonging, which are all key for resilient communities.

Equity in design is essential
The benefits of restorative urban design shouldn’t be reserved for the privileged. Dr. Roe advocates for inclusive planning that reaches all communities, especially those historically and systemically under-served.

Big changes aren’t always required
Even temporary or small-scale interventions, like pop-up parks or traffic-free zones, can make a measurable impact on mental health.

Cities like Paris and New York are showing what’s possible
From green corridors to car-free initiatives, cities around the world are beginning to prioritize mental well-being in their planning.
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Dr. Roe’s message is simple but urgent: mental health should be a central goal of urban planning and design isn't just about aesthetics, it's about health, dignity, and human connection.​

APA Podcast Post:

• Speaking of Psychology: Designing cities to improve mental health, with Jenny Roe, PhD

About Jenny:

• Jenny Roe, PhD

Restorative Cities Book:

• Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and Wellbeing (Bloomsbury, August 2021)