The architect spoke about the influence of the urban environment on people's behavior

The way people behave in an urban environment, from the level of aggression in traffic jams to their willingness to communicate with neighbors, is largely determined by the specifics of the layout and architecture. On April 7, Elena Pilipenko, an architect and head of the 827 restoration bureau, told Izvestia about this.

"The dense development of megacities leads to the fact that people live nearby, but remain strangers. And monotonous gray neighborhoods increase apathy and a sense of their own insignificance," the expert noted.

According to her, architecture directly affects the social connections and mental state of the citizens. Green areas, a variety of buildings and a well-thought-out environment, on the contrary, reduce anxiety, whereas closed residential complexes can increase social stratification, hiding it behind ideas of security and privacy.

Pilipenko stressed that historically cities were formed according to the principle of separation of functions: residential areas, business centers and industry existed separately. This pattern persists today, creating a sense of disconnect between different parts of the city. As a result, residents of residential areas are more likely to experience feelings of isolation and background stress, while historical centers promote more active social interaction.

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The specialist also noted that modern megacities are often designed with an emphasis on economic efficiency, which leads to a monotony of architecture. According to her, such spaces can cause "sensory hunger" and increase psychological stress. Large buildings and empty spaces between them create a feeling of pressure and loss of comfort.

At the same time, even small changes in the urban environment can affect people's behavior. Convenient routes, the absence of unnecessary obstacles, the presence of small parks and recreation areas reduce the level of irritation and make citizens more calm and open.

"The organization of courtyard spaces is also of particular importance. Courtyards closed from cars with multi—level playgrounds better develop children's cognitive abilities and communication skills," she stressed.

The architect believes that urban development should be aimed at improving existing areas, not just developing new territories. An important role is played by the preservation of historical buildings, the creation of cozy public spaces and the rejection of standard architectural solutions.

On March 4, Medical Xpress reported on the environmental impact on heart health. According to the study, the effects of environmental pollution, noise, and climate stress accumulate over time and affect the cardiovascular system. According to the authors, the factors act through common biological mechanisms, including inflammation and oxidative stress.

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