Urban forests are increasingly planted for their climate and ecological
value, yet their potential to support mental well-being
remains underused in most urban greening strategies. This thesis
explores how restorative urban forests can be systematically
designed and implemented to address psychological needs,
using Paris as a testing case.

This thesis begins be developing a typological framework
grounded in environmental psychology and landscape architecture.
Drawing on theories such as Attention Restoration Theory
(ART), Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), Biophilic Design, Shinrin
Yoku and the Perceived Sensory Dimensions (PSD’s), four
universal forest typologies are defined: the Refuge Forest, Healing
Forest, Social Forest and Focus Forest. Each typology is
linked to specific emotional and sensorial needs in our modern
cities; such as withdrawal, recovery, connection and cognitive
clarity.

These typologies are then translated into the Parisian context
through spatial analysis, in situ testing and design research.
Within this dense city, the forest typologies are adapted to
work within the existing infrastructural networks and urban
morphology. The Healing, Social and Focus Forests are reimagined
as linear interventions inserted along mobility corridors,
while the Refuge Forest takes the form of compact, immersive
pockets within the city.

The result is a multilayered system of forest interventions that
not only enhances urban ecology and environmental resilience,
but also addresses mental health at the scale of everyday experience.
By integrating emotional restoration into the logic
of urban forestry, this thesis proposes a new design language:
one that expands the role of trees from climate infrastructure
to psychological infrastructure, reconnecting the city with the
human need to pause, breathe and feel.