Charta of Neurourbanism

Charta of Neurourbanism

  • Charta of Neurourbanism

    Preamble

    Cities are our cultural, economic and political centres. Large cities are also engines of innovation and integration. The accelerated change in our urban coexistence creates new challenges for the quality of human life and mental health. Neurourbanism is a new interdisciplinary approach that brings together neuroscientists, urban researchers and architects to investigate the prerequisites for mental health in cities.

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  • Density

    The close spatial proximity in cities can be perceived as energising and stimulating, but at the same time can cause stress. Urban places that annoy us can have negative effects on our mental health. Nevertheless, density is a quality feature of the city that needs to be cultivated!

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  • Relationships

    Cities enable a balance between social proximity and distance. Even those who enjoy being around people occasionally need peace and quiet. But those who feel excluded from urban society are not alone, they are lonely.

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  • Public

    The urban public sphere is always an experiment – for the community and for the individual. When they counteract social isolation, public spaces fulfil a health function. They should be designed to allow individual and common interests to be lived out and to promote social cohesion in the city.

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  • Diversity

    Urban diversity is an essential contribution to the development of vibrant urban milieus and guarantees an open society that enables its inhabitants to develop freely.

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  • Aesthetics

    Attractive cities do not simply have to be beautiful. But they should remain open to the diverse and dynamically unfolding needs of their inhabitants by providing a diverse range of sensory qualities.

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  • Segregation

    The further development of a healthy city must not be primarily determined by investment planning. In spite of diversity, the districts must remain accessible and affordable for all. But how can different social milieus live comfortably together?

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  • Mobility

    The city offers spatial proximity and a density that we should utilise. Running and cycling are the healthiest form of movement, not only for the body, but also for one’s self-image as an active part of the city. Short distances encourage social activities and improve mental well-being.

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  • Participation

    The design of a healthy city should offer comprehensive opportunities for participation. When city dwellers actively participate in urban development, this fosters the experiences of self-efficacy, identity, solidarity and trust.

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  • Culture

    Architecture, history and the multitude of cultural institutions determine the identity of a city. The more numerous and the more diverse the cultural offerings, the more likely they are to serve as an integral part of an inclusive, stimulating society in which citizens and visitors find an incentive to interact.

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