Crises and Wellbeing: The Potential of the Built Environment

Currently, many simultaneous changes affect people's daily lives in urban environments. The population is ageing, diversifying, and mental health problems are increasing (Dufva & Rekola 2023). Similarly, many crises related to individual wellbeing and feeling of safety have been occurring (pandemics, war, etc.). The changes in our living environment may happen gradually or suddenly. They have an impact on people at a personal level as well as on the whole community. Crises shape our cities and affect the use of the public urban environment as well as private homes. The unexpected crises: environmental and economic as well as those relating to our health and social environment have an impact on the social sustainability of communities and wellbeing of individuals. People and communities have different capacities to face and overcome crises and hazards. Resilience is connected to community building, reduced vulnerability, and increased preparedness for crises at home and in the urban environment. This chapter is an introduction to various hazards affecting the use of the urban built environment and their impact on people's everyday life focusing on vulnerable population groups.