Qualidade Visual Urbana e Saúde: Análise Espacial de São Roque da Lameira, no Porto

Abstract

This dissertation reflects on the impact that the urban visual environment has on the health and well-being of the population, a topic that remains relatively underexplored yet holds significant relevance. In this regard, the present research seeks to create a method for analyzing the visual quality of space, which allows for a preliminary assessment before architectural or urban interventions in any territory. This assessment will enable the identification of urban elements whose visibility may either worsen or improve health and, consequently, impact people's quality of life, providing clear guidance to architects and urban planners during the design process. This study is integrated into the CAOP research project - climate adaptation for elderly people living in vulnerable urban areas (PTDC/GES-URB/2038/2021, project funded by FCT) - and serves as a complement to the ongoing socio-spatial analysis in the selected area: São Roque da Lameira, in Porto. Therefore, the method developed to analyze the visual quality of space was applied to three areas within this zone. The study allowed the conclusion that São Roque da Lameira, within a scale of 1 to 5, shows an average rating of 3 in terms of aesthetics; 3 in terms of physical activity promotion; 2.7 in terms of naturalness; and 3.3 in terms of extent and intensity. Despite being a deprived area, it can be concluded that the residents are not particularly vulnerable to the consequences of poor visual quality in relation to these parameters.