Journal of Urban Design and Mental Health; 2022:8 (Advance publication 2022)
A Case Study of Urban Design, Wellbeing and Mental Health in Lapua, Finland
Funmi Akindejoye (1) and Helena Teräväinen (2)
(1) Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
(2) Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Espoo, Finland
(1) Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
(2) Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Espoo, Finland
Abstract / Summary
According to the United Nations' Sustainable development goals (SDGs) ranking list, Finland is one of the most sustainable countries. At first glance Lapua, a town in the Southern Ostrobothnia region of western Finland, seems to be safe and sustainable; however, extensive interviews and observation revealed interesting points that demand a reflection and amendments of customary views. This study reviews existing literature and expands on experts’ opinions on mental health (MH) within Lapua’s urban design and planning. The reviewed literature examines the mental health status in Finland and the position of urban planning in Lapua, and its geographical significance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 10 experts including architects, psychiatrists, artists, etc. in Lapua. The qualitative data on their perception was obtained, transcribed, analyzed, and presented. The case study result suggests that some of the urban design factors that influence mental health are the availability of parks and green spaces, cultural heritage, housing, etc. Opportunities were identified for improving mental health-related urban planning and design in Lapua, including the concept of third space, age inclusivity in housing, and integrating public art in urban design.