Impact of urban furniture on mental health and public spaces

Public spaces are essential for fostering relaxation, mindfulness, and social connection in communities. As cities grow denser and life becomes more hectic, the need for thoughtfully designed urban environments has never been greater. One critical element in this design is urban furniture. More than just benches and seating, urban furniture has the potential to enhance mental wellbeing by creating inviting, flexible spaces that allow people to unwind and reconnect with nature.

But how do we design these spaces to meet the evolving needs of urban dwellers? Enter modular urban furniture—a solution that not only supports mental health but also provides the flexibility needed to adapt public spaces for multiple uses.

The mental health benefits of thoughtful urban furniture design

Urban environments, while bustling with energy and opportunity, can also be overwhelming. Noise, crowds, and the constant rush can contribute to stress and anxiety. This is where urban furniture can make a difference. Thoughtfully designed seating areas, shade structures, and green spaces offer moments of respite in the middle of the city. Research has shown that spending time in well designed public spaces can reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote a sense of calm (references of studies are at the bottom of this article).

By creating spaces that encourage people to pause and relax, cities can foster environments where individuals can practice mindfulness, connect with their surroundings, and even improve their mental wellbeing. Key elements like ergonomically designed benches, shaded seating areas, and tables nestled into green spaces encourage people to sit, breathe, and take in their surroundings.

At HAGS, we believe that urban furniture should do more than provide functionality; it should actively enhance the user’s experience. Our designs aim to create spaces where people can take a break from the urban rush, promoting both physical comfort and emotional wellbeing.

Modular urban furniture: Flexibility meets wellbeing

Modular furniture systems, like the solutions offered by HAGS (Sofiero and Rosenlund) allow cities to customize and configure seating areas to fit the unique layout and character of any space, regardless of size or constraints. This level of adaptability ensures that the space is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and conducive to wellbeing.

Modular designs allow city planners and designers to create seating arrangements that optimize social interaction, privacy, and comfort. A single modular seating unit, for example, can be arranged in various configurations to encourage group gatherings or create intimate, individual seating. This flexibility ensures that different needs are met, whether its a bustling public square that requires seating for large groups, or a quiet, contemplative garden where individuals can sit in peace.

At HAGS, our modular urban furniture systems are designed to complement different environments through thoughtful customization. From curved benches that wrap around natural elements like trees to seating that integrates into modern, linear landscapes, modular furniture enables us to design seating that harmonizes with its surroundings. The configurations can vary based on space availability, expected foot traffic, or the intended atmosphere of the area—whether its a lively park or a peaceful urban nook.

By utilizing a modular approach, designers can adapt furniture layouts to maximize the usability of a space. A public area with limited room might benefit from linear seating arrangements, while more open spaces might allow for circular or scattered seating, creating a dynamic, flexible environment that suits different social interactions.

This type of modularity also extends to the incorporation of other features such as planters, tables, or shade, which can be integrated into the same modular system to create a cohesive and multi-functional public space. This versatility is ideal for urban environments, where space is at a premium but the need for functional, attractive public areas remains high.

Enhancing mental wellbeing through flexible spaces

The link between modular urban furniture and mental wellbeing becomes clear when we consider how flexibility promotes inclusivity and accessibility. Different people use public spaces in different ways. A park bench might be a spot for a worker to enjoy a peaceful lunch break or a place for friends to gather and catch up. Modular furniture allows cities to cater to all these diverse needs, ensuring that the public realm feels welcoming and accessible to everyone.

When public spaces are adaptable, they foster a stronger sense of ownership and belonging among the community. People feel more connected to spaces that can transform and grow with their needs. This sense of connection plays a critical role in enhancing mental wellbeing, as people are more likely to seek out and spend time in environments where they feel comfortable and welcome.

Designing the future of public spaces

At HAGS, we’re committed to designing urban furniture that not only meets functional needs but also supports mental wellbeing and enhances the liveability of cities. Our modular solutions offer flexibility, allowing urban spaces to transform for different activities while maintaining an environment that promotes relaxation, connection, and mindfulness.

By incorporating thoughtful design elements, such as calming color schemes, comfortable seating, and modular flexibility, we can create public spaces that contribute to mental health in tangible ways. As cities continue to evolve, so too should the spaces where we gather, relax, and connect with one another.

Urban furniture plays a crucial role in shaping the mental wellbeing of city dwellers. By combining the benefits of thoughtfully designed seating with the flexibility of modular systems, public spaces can serve as sanctuaries for relaxation and adaptability. At HAGS, we believe that public spaces should be as dynamic as the communities they serve—offering both comfort and flexibility to create environments where everyone can thrive.

Explore our Park and Urban furniture portfolio by visiting our website.

References:

Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J., et al. (2019). Green space and health: An umbrella review of the evidence. The Lancet Planetary Health, 3(8), e318-e326.

Mouratidis, K. (2019). Built environment and social wellbeing: How does urban form affect social life and personal relationships? Cities, 86, 235-245.

World Health Organization. (2017). Urban green spaces and health: A review of evidence.Kaplan, R., amp; Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press.