%0 Thesis
%9 Bachelor
%A Elzinga, Rianne
%D 2023
%F theses_frw:4211
%P 26
%T Exploring the Elements of Public Spaces and its Effects on the Mental Health of Generation Z
%U https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4211/
%X Many people are concerned about the mental health issues of Generation Z. Their stress levels are increasing due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, performance pressure, climate change and technology. Which eventually leads to the rise of mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. Tangible and intangible elements of public spaces have the ability to address these problems. This paper aims to find out which elements are able to contribute to the mental health issues of generation Z and how to improve this situation from a planners’ perspective. The research question ‘How can planners adapt public spaces to contribute to the mental health of generation Z in the city of Groningen?’ is answered. Self-administered questionnaires and observations, based on nine selected elements, are conducted within the city of Groningen and Berlin. The results from Groningen suggest that there is dissatisfaction with greenery, safety and sustainability and an interest in heritage, leisure, technology and social interaction among generation Z. Ideas from Berlin show that street experiments, with public benches and streetscape greenery, are highly valued by generation Z, but also by other generations. This stimulates an increase in adding and maintaining public benches, streetscape greenery, sustainability experiments and (redeveloped) leisure areas.