Research on the Art Therapy Mechanism of Urban Public Spaces

Authors

  • Zihe Li
  • Xinquan Wang
  • Han Ding

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/p4qmhn54

Keywords:

Art Therapy, Public Space Design, Healing Space, Urban Renewal

Abstract

This study focuses on the integrated development of art therapy and public space design, providing support for alleviating the psychological pressure of urban residents and improving the quality of public spaces. Based on authoritative data such as the Report on the Development of National Mental Health in China (2023-2024), it sorts out the concept, theoretical basis of art therapy as well as the current situation and dilemmas of the integration of art therapy and public space design, reveals the importance and advantages of such integration, and puts forward strategies for integrated development. The study finds that the integration of the two is confronted with dilemmas including cognitive biases and homogenization. It is therefore necessary to advance the integration from five dimensions—concept, design, operation, professionalism and technology—and construct a new public space model featuring "healing priority, art empowerment".

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References

[1] China Youth Daily. (2024, December 9). Young high-pressure groups: Need "accessible" art therapy [Newspaper article]. China Youth Daily, p. 08.

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[6] Landscape Design Branch, Architectural Society of China. (2024). 2024 Report on the Development of Healing Functions in Urban Public Spaces [Report]. Beijing: China Architecture & Building Press.

[7] National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, et al. (2019, December 27). Healthy China Initiative - Implementation Plan for Mental Health Promotion Actions [Policy document].

[8] People's Daily. (2025, May 12). Urban "high-pressure groups" call for healing spaces [Newspaper article]. People's Daily, p. 05.

[9] Wang, L., et al. (2023). Research on healing design strategies of pocket parks in high-density urban communities [Journal article]. Architectural Journal, (S1), 67-73.

[10] Xinhua News Agency. (2025, March 18). Art empowers urban public spaces to address "psychological sub-health" predicament [Newspaper article]. Xinhua Daily Telegraph, p. 02.

[11] Yan, W. H., Li, M., & Zhang, C. (2024). A study on the eco-art therapy model of community healing spaces [Journal article]. Journal of East China Normal University (Educational Sciences Edition), 42(3), 89-102.

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Published

29-01-2026

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Li, Z., Wang, X., & Ding, H. (2026). Research on the Art Therapy Mechanism of Urban Public Spaces. Highlights in Art and Design, 13(1), 6-8. https://doi.org/10.54097/p4qmhn54