Collage Urbanism: Creating a Framework for Citizen-Centric Urban Eco-Psychology
摘要
Urban design plays a critical role in shaping the ecological, cultural, and psychological fabric of cities, influencing the wellbeing of their inhabitants. The principles of Collage Urbanism and Eco-Psychology offer valuable frameworks for integrating these diverse dimensions into urban planning. While Collage Urbanism advocates for multi functionality, cultural layering, and spatial diversity, Eco-Psychology emphasizes the importance of human-nature connections for mental health and resilience. Despite the shared goals of these two frameworks, their integration into practical urban design remains underexplored, particularly in terms of creating spaces that are not only ecologically sustainable but also psychologically restorative and culturally enriching. This study proposes an original evaluative matrix for integrating Collage Urbanism and Eco-Psychology, enabling measurable assessment of psychological wellbeing, ecological balance, and cultural inclusivity across urban environments, a framework previously underdeveloped in literature. The intersection of Collage Urbanism and Eco-Psychology is explored through the analysis of three different urban stretches of Park Street, Kolkata, a major metropolis in Eastern India; each demonstrating varying degrees of integration of these principles. The findings suggest that the integration of Collage Urbanism and Eco-Psychology principles can serve as a blueprint for future urban development that prioritizes environmental sustainability, cultural richness, and psychological wellbeing. The chapter contributes to the growing discourse on urban design by offering a comprehensive understanding of how these principles can provide actionable insights for urban planners, architects, and policymakers seeking to create urban environments that balance functionality with the wellbeing of their inhabitants.