Evans G. The built environment and mental health. J Urban Health 2003; 80: 536-555.
Summary: The built environment plays a critical role in mental health. But, as this article reminds us, "methodological issues make it difficult to draw clear conclusions." In this paper, the author analyzes what is known about how design elements and exposure to indoor air pollutants affect mental health.
General Concensus: Most of the critiques for this article were concerned with the methodologies. A few students took issue with the author's use of subjective measures like psychological stress. Many students wondered if negative impacts of housing would be less severe on more racially and socio-economically heterogeneous populations. Students emphasized that affordable housing needs to be integrated into mixed-income neighborhoods with low crime levels and an array of amenities to improve mental health.
Additional Comments:
"I am not sure I understand how the authors controlled adequately for SES or other neighborhood factors when they looked at type of housing or crowding." (EPI)
"I found the 'wandering' need most interesting because in my Pedestrian class we are studying the calming effects of walking without a purpose. It is interesting to note that due to private property ownership, there are very few places in the built environment that allow for wandering." (URBDP)