Physical determinism, modernism and mental health

Abstract

Does the physical/built environment have an impact on our mental and physical well-being? Over time, various doctrines - and countering reactions - have provided different answers to this question. This paper notes the broad sweep of responses, pointing out their planning/development and, subsequently, health implications. The current revival of emphasis on 'place' as well as emerging understandings of our individual connections and dependencies with our environments are also discussed. This leads to the conclusion that while we must guard against physical determinism of various kinds, we must also recognize the influence our environments have on our very state of being, including our physical and mental health.