Blue–Green Infrastructure: Can Nature Fix Our Urban Minds? 

Introduction 

Many factors contribute to the occurrence of mental health disorders, including social, psychological, and biological influences, as well as the characteristics of the environment in which we live, particularly urban settings. Living in a city can support people’s well-being by facilitating social networks and providing access to various services, including healthcare; however, certain aspects of urban life, such as air pollution, limited space, and noise, can negatively affect health. Within cities, green and blue spaces have been linked to better mental health outcomes, such as reduced risk of depressive symptoms and psychological distress. (Gascon et al., 2015).   

Enter Blue–Green Infrastructure 

Blue spaces are defined by the presence of water, such as lakes, rivers, or coastal areas. Green spaces may include water features, but are mainly characterized by vegetation like grass, trees, and other plants. According to Natural Resources Wales (NRW), green spaces and their networks include parks, community gardens, trees, woodlands, hedgerows, informal spaces, allotments, food-growing sites, and bodies of water such as rivers, canals, lakes, ponds, and coastal areas. “Green infrastructure” refers to the interconnected network of all these spaces (Geary et al., 2023). 

Urbanization problems 

Urbanization-related problems from city structure and human activities include: 

1. Air pollution  
2. Noise pollution  
3. Urban heat island effect  
4. Flood risk and water management  
5. Reduction of green space and biodiversity  
6. Urban inequalities  

Why Nature Works on the Brain 

Living near water coasts, lakes, or rivers supports better mental health (Pasanen et al., 2019). Green infrastructure fosters social connections in neighborhoods. Greener areas feel friendlier, and parks or open spaces allow planned gatherings and casual encounters, strengthening social cohesion and trust (Townshend et al., 2022).  

Spending time in natural environments is linked to:  

• improved mood 
•  lower cortisol levels 
•  reduced mortality 
• enhanced cognitive function  

Case Study 

The Niasarm Canal, one of Isfahan’s largest canals, starts near Marnan Bridge, passes through the Lanban district, and runs east across the city, almost parallel to the Zayande Rood River. With more water and green space than other canals, it is the city’s most popular blue and green area, surrounded mostly by residential land, while key commercial areas are at Charbagh Street. 

Fig 1: The Niasarm route is positioned horizontally along the Zayandeh Rud River.

Fig 2

Fig 3

The canal attracts visitors, has a good pedestrian network, and is easily accessible via a nearby underground station. Its plants and flowing water create fresh air and a cool breeze, making the area 2–3°C cooler than the rest of the city in summer (Vaeztavakoli et al., 2018). 

To better understand the atmosphere of this area and hear the surrounding sounds, you can access videos of this location through the links below:

https://youtu.be/yb-sg0MAk40?si=Hppp06_m0GNVJ6bU

https://youtu.be/ARP-49QqA9w?si=-atuJPeyIRrZ70rd

Conclusion 

Access to urban green and blue spaces is linked to better mental health, including lower risks of depression and psychological distress, supporting overall psychological well-being (Gascon et al., 2015). 

Urban green spaces can reduce environmental health risks by improving air and water quality, buffering noise, and mitigating the effects of extreme events. They also promote health and well-being by facilitating stress relief, relaxation, physical activity, social interaction, and community cohesion, leading to enhanced mental health, physical fitness, cognitive and immune function, and lower overall mortality (WHO, 2016). 

Reference  

Geary, R.S., Thompson, D.A., Garrett, J.K., et al., 2023. Green–blue space exposure changes and impact on individual-level well-being and mental health: a population-wide dynamic longitudinal panel study with linked survey data. Southampton (UK): National Institute for Health and Care Research. Public Health Research, No. 11.10. 

Gascon, M., Triguero-Mas, M., Martínez, D., Dadvand, P., Forns, J., Plasència, A. & Nieuwenhuijsen, M.J., 2015. Mental health benefits of long-term exposure to residential green and blue spaces: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(4), pp.4354–4379. 

Pasanen, T.P., White, M.P., Wheeler, B.W., Garrett, J.K. & Elliott, L.R., 2019. Neighbourhood blue space, health and wellbeing: The mediating role of different types of physical activity. Environment International, 131, p.105016. 

Townshend, T., 2022. Healthy Cities? Design for Well-being. London: Routledge. Chapter 5: Green infrastructure for health and well-being. 

Vaeztavakoli, A., Lak, A. & Yigitcanlar, T., 2018. Blue and green spaces as therapeutic landscapes: Health effects of urban water canal areas of Isfahan. Sustainability, 10(11), p.4010. 

World Health Organization, 2016. Urban green spaces and health: A review of evidence. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe. 

Figure 1: Fahimi, F., 2026. Adapted from Google Earth image; edited by the author.

Figure 2: Harirsaz_photography, 2024. Instagram post. Available at: View Instagram post

Figure 3: mehdi.shahdeli, n.d. Instagram profile. Available at: View Instagram post

Cover image source: Harirsaz_photography, 2024. Instagram post. Available at: View Instagram post