The Luisenplatz Study - The relationship between visual fields and perceived stress in a public transport hub

This paper investigates the relationship between visual fields and subjective ratings of perceived stress in an open public space (OPS) and transport hub. The aim is to investigate possible influences these characteristics have on the recorded ratings. To do so, the sample is described with a visibility graph analysis and isovist properties and the constructed data is paired with participants’ ratings of perceived stress. This article uses data from surveys conducted in Darmstadt, a town of 120,00 in Germany, in summer 2015. Subject is the Luisenplatz, the city’s main public square and a central transport hub. It houses various amenities, services and residency, and is a junction where the majority of the tram and bus lines meet. Previous research suggested that the Luisenplatz in its current state is perceived as one of the most stressful OPS in Darmstadt. Correlation between visual fields and statements about perceived stress show that users are more likely to feel stressed when in areas with high visibility, while visual complexity may contribute to less stressful scenarios. The method presented in this article is been shown to be promising in analysing how variables of the built environment may contribute to perceived stress in public transport hubs. It will be useful to further interdisciplinary research that sets out to better understand the role of the built environment as integral contributors to stress in urban mobility