Scientists have already proven that varieties of different species, biodiversity and a green environment promote people’s mental health. However, how can these assumptions be transferred to urban structures? How can main roads be designed to have a positive effect on people’s mental health? That is exactly what Professor Dr.-Ing. Martin Knöll and the scientist, Lanqing Gu, from the “Infrastructure – Design – Society” (IDG) LOEWE cluster are seeking to discover within a two-part project that is being supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

The first part of the project is geared towards investigating how urban development elements at a macro level have a relaxing effect along avenues. This involves analysing to what degree users believe that road network features, land usage patterns and the density of buildings are relaxing. During the second part of the project, the scientists will focus on the elements that are located at eye level. Making their way along local roads with eye-tracking devices are designed to help recognise how environmental factors can have a relaxing effect on people while they are out walking.