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Posted by - Diya Shamald -
on - Aug 5 -
Filed in - Health -
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Saudi Arabia is building new public spaces to support its Vision 2030 goal of a happy, healthy society. Parks, plazas, and community areas can help people feel calm and refreshed. Good design can reduce stress and bring people together. This guide shares ideas for creating public spaces that boost mental health, with tips for planners and residents in the Kingdom.
Public spaces aren’t just for hanging out. They can make you feel better inside. In Saudi Arabia, where many people face stress, places like parks can help. Research says green spaces cut stress and help you focus. About one in three Saudis deals with mental health challenges, so designing thoughtful spaces is important.
Spaces that fit Saudi culture, like offering privacy, feel welcoming. They can help people relax and connect with others, lifting their mood.
To make public spaces that help mental health, planners need to think about nature, easy access, and local traditions. Here’s what to focus on:
Trees, plants, and water make people feel calm. In Saudi Arabia’s dry climate, adding greenery is a big deal. Parks like Al Rajhi Park in Riyadh use trees and water to create peaceful spots. Studies show nature can lower worry by 20%.
Everyone should be able to use public spaces. In Saudi Arabia, many drive, so parking matters. Spaces should also work for families, women, and people with disabilities.
Saudi Arabia values modesty and privacy. Public spaces should feel safe and familiar. Separate areas for families or women help. Prayer spots make spaces welcoming.
Spaces should have quiet areas for relaxing and active spots for fun. Quiet corners help people think or rest. Active zones, like sports fields, get people moving, which boosts mood.
The Kingdom already has places that inspire. These show how design helps mental health:
This park has green grass, water features, and shady paths. Families and young people come to relax. Events like markets make it feel lively and connected.
The seafront in Jeddah has walkways and benches. People sit by the water to feel calm. It’s a spot where locals escape daily stress.
Mosques are public spaces too. The Grand Mosque offers quiet areas for prayer and calm. Its open spaces help visitors feel peaceful.
Public spaces can do more than look pretty. They can host mental health support. For example, community centers could offer marriage counseling Riyadh for couples needing help. Spaces could also have groups for issues like obsessive compulsive disorder treatment, making it easier to talk about mental health.
Making these spaces isn’t easy. Saudi Arabia’s hot weather and cultural views can make things tricky. Here’s what planners face:
Heat and dust make it hard to keep spaces green. Planners need strong plants and cooling tricks like mist fans.
Some Saudis feel shy about mental health. Spaces need to feel private so people are comfortable using them for wellness.
Building parks costs a lot. Vision 2030 helps with funds, but towns need plans to keep spaces nice over time.
To make spaces that lift mental health, planners can try these ideas:
Ask people what they want. Meetings or surveys can show if they need more shade, quiet spots, or kid areas. This makes spaces useful.
Pick plants that don’t need much water. Solar lights keep spaces safe at night without big bills.
Team up with mental health pros to design calming spaces. Soft colors and gentle paths help people relax.
Plan yoga classes, health talks, or community walks. These bring people to the spaces and make them lively.
How do public spaces help mental health?
Parks and open areas lower stress and encourage exercise. They also help people feel connected.
What makes a space culturally okay in Saudi Arabia?
Privacy for women, prayer spots, and local designs make spaces feel safe and familiar.
Are there mental health services in public spaces?
Some spaces have counseling or support groups, like for couples or stress management.
How does Vision 2030 help public spaces?
It funds parks and community areas to improve life and mental health.
People can use public spaces to feel better. Here’s how to start:
Saudi Arabia’s public spaces can do more than look good. They can help people feel calm and connected. By adding trees, making spaces easy to reach, and respecting traditions, planners can boost mental wellness. Challenges like heat or stigma are real, but smart ideas can solve them. Residents can visit parks or join events to feel refreshed. Start exploring a local park or community event today to lift your mood and find support.
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