Mapping Emotional Landscapes: Understanding the Interplay of Emotions and the Built Environment in Potenza, Italy

The emotional responses of individuals to the built environment is a central aspect in developing strategies for urban regeneration, in particular in the context of the pandemic and environmental crises. Emotional responses are not only integral to personal quality of life but also influence urban practices. Concepts aimed at fostering sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban areas, hinge upon fostering positive emotional experiences. Understanding how people perceive urban spaces is central to promoting active mobility and social interaction. This study focuses on two districts in Potenza, Italy, examining the distribution of emotional responses and identifying built environment factors that influence individuals’ reactions. The study operates on the premise that built environment factors elicit distinct emotions, which, in turn, impact individuals’ practices and motivations. Ultimately, this understanding informs strategies for urban regeneration, emphasizing diversity, density, proximity, sustainable mobility, and resilience.