Integrating Neurourbanism into Urban Planning: A Charta-Based Indicator Framework for Public Open Spaces to Foster Social Connectivity and Support Mental Health

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has intensified concerns about how spatial, environmental, and social conditions influence stress, social isolation, social connectivity, and mental health. In response, Neurourbanism has emerged as an interdisciplinary field linking neuroscience, mental health, urban planning, and public health. However, its findings remain insufficiently translated into assessable planning conditions for public open spaces (POS). Accordingly, this study aims to develop a literature-derived, Charta-based indicator framework for POS that identifies planning conditions to foster social connectivity and support mental health. The study methodology applied a critical integrative review, supported by systematic procedures, to examine relevant literature and develop the proposed framework. The study reviewed evidence from Neurourbanism, urban planning, public health, social isolation, social connectivity, and public-space research and translated it into assessable POS conditions. The study consolidated these conditions into 23 indicators, mapped them to the nine Charta of Neurourbanism as Direct or Indirect conceptual relationships, and organized them into seven operational domains. The resulting framework includes 94 indicator–Charta mappings: 28 Direct and 66 Indirect relationships. The findings show that POS relevance depends on the interaction of accessibility, environmental quality, safety, inclusion, cultural relevance, governance, and opportunities for social activity rather than on physical provision alone. The framework provides a structured basis for expert review and empirical validation across different contexts. Mental health and social outcomes require empirical testing and are not assumed.