In a new study, researchers have concluded that simple interventions can make a big difference in how people perceive their cities. For example, they found that people living in communities that they think have adequate public seating were 9 percent more satisfied with police, and trusted government 7 percent more than communities that felt their seating was inadequate. “Inviting features” in front of buildings such as benches and greenery as well as the signs cities use, were found to make people 10 percent more likely to feel welcome. The study shows how having a well-thought-out urban design is more than something that is “nice to have.”
Science is proving why urban design matters more than ever
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