We ask whether streetscape design can be used to alleviate anxiety. Let’s understand how we can alleviate anxiety of the people on streets through their daily experiences while walking.
With so many different forms of guidance available for incorporating health into planning, our study evaluated what makes a healthy planning framework successful.
As emerging challenges have made urban areas increasingly vulnerable, jeopardizing the health and well-being of their inhabitants, resilience should be seen as a pathway for healthy cities and integrated into urban planning practices. This study shows if and how existing indicator frameworks can identify urban systemic vulnerabilities and priorities for resilience building to provide local authorities with evidence crucial in planning for healthy and resilient cities.
Cities need to be aware of their vulnerabilities to local emergencies. They also need to understand which urban planning, design and management strategies work best to build resilience. We reviewed the latest scientific evidence to identify the most effective preparedness strategies for different emergency scenarios, analysing co- and dis-benefits among them. Ideas and tools for local authorities and communities in general to build back better.
This paper investigates how health-promoting planning strategies are leveraged in place-based urban transformation initiatives to develop public spaces within neighbourhoods to improve children’s and community wellbeing. Safe, healthy, and accessible neighbourhood public spaces transform children’s lives in cities.
Poorly designed neighbourhood outdoor spaces can harm citizens’ mental health, such as presenting them with information overload, crowding or low exposure to nature. Our research explored which design elements can support urban designers in designing neighbourhood outdoor spaces that can reduce stress and attention fatigue and improve the mental health of all citizens.
Are you prepared for the health risks of extreme heat? Our new study shows that exposure to extreme heat increases the risk of mortality from Non-Communicable Diseases. Check out our systematic review of the effects of extreme heat, both indoors and outdoors, on health in the UK.
We highlight the beneficial interactions of “sensescapes”, the combination of soundscapes and natural landscapes, on psycho-physiological health. Our work shows the significance of interdisciplinary urban design and planning in harnessing these benefits – to enhance health and urban sustainability through the integration of nature’s influences on the body and mind.
The foundation is to generate awareness and evidence of existing housing conditions and their health impacts. Then collaborate across sectors and with stakeholders, establish effective enforcement systems, and tackle issues around private rights.
By reviewing the studies on the cities in the early months of the COVID-19 outbreak, we could develop a promising perspective for identifying solutions during future similar pandemics.