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Lively Social Space, Well-Being Activity, and Urban Design: Findings From a Low-Cost Community-Led Public Space Intervention

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Anderson, J 

Abstract

jats:p Empirical urban design research emphasizes the support in vitality of public space use. We examine the extent to which a public space intervention promoted liveliness and three key behaviors that enhance well-being (“connect,” “be active,” and “take notice”). The exploratory study combined directly observed behaviors with self-reported, before and after community-led physical improvements to a public space in central Manchester (the United Kingdom). Observation data ( n = 22,956) and surveys (subsample = 212) were collected over two 3-week periods. The intervention brought significant and substantial increases in liveliness of the space and well-being activities. None of these activities showed increases in a control space during the same periods. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of the research methods, and the impact of improved quality of outdoor neighborhood space on liveliness and well-being activities. The local community also played a key role in conceiving of and delivering an effective and affordable intervention. The findings have implications for researchers, policy makers, and communities alike. </jats:p>

Description

Keywords

liveliness, well-being, neighborhood, population intervention, urban design

Journal Title

Environment and Behavior

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0013-9165
1552-390X

Volume Title

49

Publisher

SAGE Publications
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (Grant EP/P505445/1)