Beautiful, sustainable and inclusive cities: How visual attention on urban design can inform modern innovations tailored to promote mental well-being in urban settings

Abstract: The objective of this study is to analyse visual attention and human-façade engagement with building façades in deprived neighbourhoods in Madrid with the aim of creating beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive neighbourhoods. By utilizing eye tracking technology and participatory design, this study seeks to elucidate how individuals visually engage with building exteriors and how such engagement influences their subjective wellbeing. A lack of symmetry along the vertical axis and a-similar geometrical size of windows, poor maintenance, non-transparency of windows, and non-homogeneity in colour and texture resulted in more reported subjective distress, whereas horizontal/vertical symmetry and same window shape/size resulted in less. Implications: Incorporating historical urban design principles with modern tools like eye-tracking and participatory design offers new insights into creating environments that support mental well-being. Eye-tracking reveals how individuals visually engage with urban elements, while participatory design ensures inclusive solutions. Together, these methods refine the application of lessons from the past, fostering discourse and developing practical strategies for healthier, more resilient, and aesthetically engaging urban spaces. Keywords: Building design, environmental health of housing, perception of built environments, subjective reported distress, sustainable built environment