Greening the gaps: Small vacant lands as catalysts for urban well-being and resilience

Abstract

This study explores how small vacant lands (SVLs) in Tehran can be reimagined into accessible green spaces that nurture urban well-being. In cities facing land scarcity and intensifying mental health pressures, SVLs hold the potential for low-cost yet high-impact interventions. Through a mixed-methods approach combining spatial design prototypes, expert perspectives, and neurophysiological data from EEG recordings, the research examines how different design strategies influence emotional responses. The findings show that structured, shaded, and interactive environments evoke positive emotions such as calm and interest, while poorly defined or irregular lots elicit negative responses. The study provides evidence that small-scale green interventions can reduce stress, improve social interaction, and contribute to resilient, inclusive urban environments. By integrating emotional data into urban design, this study offers practical recommendations for reimagining overlooked spaces and contributes to broader discussions on sustainable and health-promoting cities.