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Enclosed by Walls, Embraced by Trees: Effects of Indoor Residential Crowding and Outdoor Green Space on Mental Health

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Despite growing interest in how the urban built environment influences mental health, few studies have examined it across indoor–outdoor domains and subgroups. Using survey data from Beijing, we find that both residential crowding (indoor) and neighborhood green space (outdoor) are linked to depression risk. Specifically, residential crowding mainly affects local residents, while green space mainly affects migrants, with these effects varying by gender and family structure. The findings highlight that built environment inequality leads to health disparities, and planning strategies promoting mental health should address both indoor and outdoor factors and be tailored to the needs of specific vulnerable groups.

Source: Journal of Planning Education and Research

DOI: 10.1177/0739456x261432155

Authors: Xuelu Wang, Tao Liu, Xize Wang

Institutions: National University of Singapore, Peking University

Language: English

Topic: Urban Green Space and Health

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,900