Re-Imaging the Future in Urban Studies and Built Environment Discourse: A Neurourbanism Perspective

Abstract

Neurological constructs are being applied in various fields; within urban studies and built environments, neurourbanism stands out. To understand this concept, this study seeks to conduct a scientometric analysis of the concept of neurourbanism. To do so, we gauged the intellectual structure and clarified the influencers and emerging themes while seeking to identify essential gaps in neurourbanism research in urban studies and the built environment. Data were sorted from Dimensions Artificial Intelligence platform because of its reliability in providing the needed dataset accurately, and the Citespace software was used to analyze the data. Our results suggest plurality in explaining the risk factors in urbanicity research, particularly regarding prevalence, incidence, and the general cause of psychosis in urban living. The study also shows that players in the construction sector, such as engineers, town planners, and developers, have not fully grasped how the built environment assists in improving well-being, reducing stress levels of urbanists, assisting migrants in settling into the community, and the general mental wellness of those who live in the city. The study also identified a correlation between urbanization and mental health and added that the main recipient of rapid urban transformation countries does not show leadership in neurourbanism studies.

A Scientometric Analysis of Wellbeing Research in the Construction Industry

“…For instance, there has been a significant amount of attention paid to a user-based perspective of mental health, exemplified by the field of neuro-urbanism. This interdisciplinary field explores the connection between the environment and the human brain, emphasising the impact of urban infrastructure on the mental wellbeing of urban dwellers [9]. This perspective may have evolved from studies on environmental wellbeing, underscoring the need for an interdisciplinary approach that integrates neuroscience and urban studies to promote the wellbeing of urban populations.…”

“…It is important to recognize that individual decision making is influenced by various factors, and this understanding can contribute to both positive and negative outcomes. (9) Financial wellbeing: This research theme specifically addresses the economic wellbeing of construction workers. However, despite the significant impact of rising energy costs and the financial downturn caused by COVID-19, this important dimension of wellbeing in the construction industry has been largely overlooked, which has been revealed in various sources (as shown in Table 3).…”

“…Therefore, a comprehensive approach to wellbeing is needed to encompass its multiple dimensions and enhance safety in the construction industry. Traditional measures that focus solely on fatalities fail to consider psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and stress, which have been identified as contributors to mental health issues [7][8][9] and forms of injury. While there has been an increased focus on mental wellbeing in recent times [7,10], research on the construction industry primarily emphasizes environmental and physical wellbeing while neglecting other dimensions.…”

“…Notably, studies have shown that the focus of wellbeing discussions in the construction industry on mental wellbeing [7,10] might have been largely influenced by factors such as the stressful nature of construction sites, the growing demand for health and safety measures, and, more recently, the pandemic [30]. Factors like anxiety, depression, and stress have been identified as contributors to mental health issues [9]. The persistent challenge posed by skilled labour shortages in the industry may also contribute to increasing stress, anxiety, and depression, further highlighting the wellbeing challenges faced that have not been addressed.…”

The impact of aerobics on mental health and stress levels: A visualization analysis of the CiteSpace map

“…Aerobics, as a comprehensive movement integrating exercise, music, and dance, has attracted much attention among the many ways of mental health intervention. Participating in aerobics exercises can promote the operation of the body’s metabolism and circulatory system, enhance muscle strength and flexibility, and also help release pressure and relieve anxiety [ 4 , 5 ].…”