OAR@UM Collection:
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57061
2024-03-28T15:31:58ZStreets, stress and society : the impacts of the urban environment and transport on the population’s mental well-being
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57432
Title: Streets, stress and society : the impacts of the urban environment and transport on the population’s mental well-being
Abstract: The development of sustainable urban environments is not solely based on the
economic and environmental facets of sustainability but also includes social
sustainability and resilience. This ensures that people within those urban areas are
positively impacted by their environment and their well-being is safeguarded. This
research focuses on understanding the link between the urban environment and the
Maltese road users’ mental well-being by using the town of Birkirkara as a case study
area. Using questionnaire surveys and street observations, the main urban stressors
experienced by Birkirkara residents was analysed. Apart from identifying the urban
stressors from the literature and testing them in the case study area, their variation
depending on the transport mode used will also be analysed. Additionally, maps
showing the urban area and the street activity were created to support the study. The
data from the questionnaires was then correlated with the features observed from the
physical environment through a street quality checklist. The results show that although
road users may evaluate their trips differently in terms of feelings of pleasantness,
excitement and interestingness, ultimately, they experience the same stressors which
are mediated through unsustainable aspects within the urban environment. The findings
are useful inputs for policy-making and urban planning to move towards sustainable
development of urban areas that positively impact the population’s mental well-being.
Description: M.SC.SUS.DEVELOPMENT2020-01-01T00:00:00Z