Urban design for mental health wellbeing; A study of the design of public open spaces in Kampala City

Abstract

Due to population growth in the city, public opens spaces are being targeted by private developers and are in a danger of extinction since they are taken as a misuse of space. There seems to be poor design of public open spaces to suit mentally unhealthy people. With the reduction of these spaces the current mental status of people living in Kampala city will increase and this will affect the economy and day to day running of the city. Public open spaces are spaces that are open and enhance social interaction used as relaxing or breakout spaces. Therefore, using public open spaces as a tool to improve mental health will help people by giving them space for psychological comfort and support. This creates a thriving socially healthy and active society. The purpose of this study is to develop and design strategies of urban public open spaces that fosters better mental health and wellbeing in the country. The case study method was used with a selection of common public open spaces located within and the outskirts of the Central Business District that is Katwe Queen's Way grounds and Railway Grounds. Different data collection methods which included a review of existing literature, interviews, discussions and observations were used. The findings of the study revealed that the quality of the public open spaces has an impact on one’s mental health. It also revealed that key design strategies of green, prosocial space and safety should be taken into consideration while planning for public open spaces.