jismart2024003: The Impact of Street Physical Features on Residents' Emotions and Mental Health: An Study of Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu

Abstract

With the rapid development of the economy and society, public mental health and environmental issues are becoming increasingly prominent. The urban built environment significantly affects public emotions and physical and mental health, with well-designed streetscapes promoting positive emotional expression. This study focuses on Kokurakita Ward in Kitakyushu, Japan, combining deep learning techniques with Google Street View images to quantify eight physical street features (e.g., greenness, enclosure, openness) and six perceived characteristics (e.g., beautiful, boring, safety). Public emotions toward the street environment were then categorized into positive and negative emotions. The findings reveal that Kokurakita Ward is characterized by high building density, with artificial structures dominating the streetscape, limited greenery and natural landscapes, and low pedestrian activity. These physical features are closely associated with negative public emotions, such as boredom and oppression, while positive emotions, such as beauty and vibrancy, are less frequently reported. The findings have important implications for urban planning, design, and policy-making, contributing to the development of high-quality, people-centered urban environments.