Do more walkable neighbourhoods have less crime? Depends on the socioeconomic context
Our study wanted to know more about the relationship between neighborhood walkability and crime in New Orleans, generally finding that the relationship between the two depends on the level of walkability, type of crime, and socioeconomic conditions of the neighborhood. Walkability was related to less crime in economically impoverished neighborhoods. Improving walkability in economically disadvantaged areas may help reduce crime.
Understanding healthy city assessment tools for better local decisions
Cities increasingly rely on assessment tools to understand whether neighbourhoods and urban systems support health and wellbeing. Yet results can depend on which tool is used. We examined fourteen widely used health assessment tools using a structured analytical framework. Our study shows that divergence is not primarily about which indicators are included, but about how tools operate across multiple layers.
Traffic related noise pollution: Urban health inequities and preterm birth outcomes
Unplanned and rapidly expanding urbanization, crowded living conditions, and air pollution pose serious threats to maternal health. Research shows that, contrary to expectations, traffic noise does not play a decisive role in preterm birth. Strategic actions to improve urban health can help babies start life healthier and stronger.
Turning schoolyards into temporary open spaces in Nakuru’s informal settlements, Kenya
Across many cities, residents of informal settlements lack safe, nearby green space. Using Nakuru (Kenya) as a testbed, we show how opening schoolyards to communities outside school hours can rapidly expand walkable access at minimal cost. With basic security and governance measures, this dual-use model can advance health equity and resilience.
Can urban planners and designers fight depression?
This study analysed thirteen neighbourhoods across four Israeli metropolitan cities from a cross-typological perspective to identify meaningful depression patterns and their links to neighbourhood design. The study suggests that while it is clear that urban planners cannot control all features associated with depression, they have at least the power to address the physical features associated with the neighbourhood, such as densities, street networks, building forms, and open spaces.
Mental health and suicide: a silent epidemic in Spanish cities and towns
Deaths by suicide are the leading cause of violent death. Suicide is a silent plague that is killing people daily in different cities and towns of Spain. Is the type of settlement and air temperature affecting the probability of killing yourself? What we can deduce from statistical models.
Public life in Tehran, during and after the pandemic
Our work shows the suitability of using Gehl and Svarre methods even during unexpected situations like the pandemic to study public life. Furthermore, the results provide a comprehensive view of public life in Tehran which has not been done before. This study shows the importance of plazas and urban green spaces during the pandemic for maintaining the public life and people’s physical activity.
Making cities work for older people: What urban leaders need to know
As cities age, are we ready to meet the needs of aging residents? This review shows how rethinking urban planning, green spaces, and better accessibility can make cities healthier and more inclusive for older adults. It highlights what’s working, what’s missing, and what cities can do better.
Designing residential open spaces that encourage children’s everyday movement
Children’s daily movement is shaped by how residential open spaces are designed. Our findings show that small spatial adjustments—such as connected pathways, flexible play zones, and improved visibility—can significantly enhance children’s physical activity. These insights help cities create healthier living environments.
Are we building for health? Food environments in transit-oriented development, New South Wales
The built food environment has a significant influence on population health, for better and for worse. Evidence shows that urban planning can play a major role in creating food environments that support healthy food choices; however current transit-oriented developments have not yet considered access to healthy food outlets. We found evidence that a high proportion (79 – 84%) of food outlets could be classified as ‘unhealthy’ across eight transport hubs identified for accelerated development in New South Wales.