The Impact Mechanism of Street Space on People's Mental Health in Urban China: A Survey-Based Study

With the ongoing urbanization process in China, the impact of urban environments on residents' mental health has drawn increasing attention. This study selects Beijing (large city), Zhengzhou (medium-sized city), and Luoyang (small city) as examples to compare the effects of commercial streets, residential streets, and waterfront spaces on residents' mental health through questionnaire surveys and environmental measurements. The research indicates that the high density and noise levels of street spaces in large cities may contribute to increased stress levels among residents, while the lower density and presence of natural landscapes in small cities tend to enhance residents' sense of happiness and relaxation. The street spaces in medium-sized cities demonstrate distinct mental health effects, balancing transportation accessibility with cultural characteristics. For instance, the multifunctionality of commercial streets in Zhengzhou has a positive impact on mental well-being, whereas the condition of residential streets varies based on different maintenance and planning approaches. Additionally, the study finds that cultural elements (such as historical architecture and traditional features) in street spaces influence mental health differently across cities of various scales, with their positive effects being more pronounced in small cities. Based on these findings, this paper proposes optimization strategies for street spaces in cities of different sizes, offering insights for urban planning aimed at enhancing public well-being.