It is through this title, used on numerous websites, that an American magazine this week explores the question of neuro-architecture, which studies the impact of urban planning on our mental and physical health.
Published on 08/01/2025 09:09
Reading time: 2min
Several dozen international studies like this American magazine have accumulated over 30 years to establish that when we live in a concrete, monotonous, noisy city, where cars are king and trees are rare, then this is harmful to our health. physical and mental.
Physiologically, this is explained by the fact that noise and pollution raise blood pressure, and increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. Then, urban monotony and the gray of buildings have an impact on our morale. British researchers have further demonstrated this by monitoring 2 million people in Wales over 10 years: the further the home is from a green or blue space – that is to say a beach, a lake or a river – the more frequent anxiety and depressive disorders are.
To improve the urban environment in order to protect health, it is logically necessary to green cities. It seems simple, but a recent study by Public Health France confirms to what extent it is a profitable strategy. Researchers studied the impact of green spaces on the health of residents in the cities of Rouen, Lille and Montpellier. Their conclusion is clear: if all the neighborhoods of these cities had as many trees as the greenest neighborhoods, mortality would be reduced by 3 to 7% in each urban area. Each year, there would be 300 deaths avoided in Rouen and Lille and around a hundred in Montpellier.
Having more trees in cities does not only reduce noise, pollution, stress and a sedentary lifestyle. According to an American study, green spaces also seem to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Beyond the proximity of this vegetation, gardening also promotes the immune system, according to Finnish researchers. The effect is also proven even if you just take care of a few flower pots on your balcony.
