Editorial Introduction

As urban populations grow and diversify, the design and management of urban spaces becomes increasingly important to meet the social, economic, and health-related needs of residents.Urban design not only affects the physical structure of the city but also influence human well-being.Human well-being include "the basic material for a good life, fireedom of choice and action, health, good social relations, and security" (Reid, Mooney et al., 2005).Effective urban revitalization strategies, through comprehensive design and management approaches, help create urban environments that are more functional, culturally rich, and conducive to physical and mental health, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities.This special issue including six papers delves into the vitality of city streets, the impact of the built environment on health, the friendliness of community spaces, residents' activities under the epidemic, etc., all have a direct impact on people's quality of life and happiness.A key theme in these studies is the recognition that urban spaces are more than just physical locations, they are dynamic environments that facilitate social interaction, facilitate cultural expression, and impact public health.These articles highlight the important role urban design plays in improving human wellbeing.The built environment plays a crucial role in shaping various aspects of human well-being, influencing everything from physical health to mental and social dimensions.Fang, Homma et al. ( 2024) addressed this multifaceted issue through the lens of leisure running, investigating how different aspects of the built environment affect this activity.They explored how the built environment influences leisure running in Kumamoto City, Japan.They examined differences in leisure running patterns on weekdays versus weekends and employs spatial models to analyze these effects.The study aims to provide insights for urban planning and to address deficiencies in the urban environment to promote healthier cities.The vitality of streets and the friendliness of community spaces are essential components in fostering human well-being and creating vibrant urban environments.Effective public spaces not only enhance daily interactions but also contribute significantly to residents' overall quality of life.Xu and Ma (2024) evaluated street vitality in Guangzhou's historic district by analyzing the visual and auditory perceptions of pedestrians.The findings offer insights into how sensory experiences contribute to the liveliness of urban streets, guiding enhancements in public space design.