Four-walled or fourfold? Well-being in gated cities

October 7, 2025

Our study sheds light on the evolving dynamics of the Greater Cairo Region, adding depth to the understanding of whether gated communities act as true remedies or reflections of concrete houses. By incorporating a model based on critical factors for mental health, we offer insights into the nuanced dimensions of well-being in the context of urban development. This research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between city structure and residents’ overall well-being.

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A case study in developing a Health Impact Assessment from the eyes of a Community

September 5, 2025

Our collaboration co-created a new methodology reimagining the design, delivery, and management of the Health Impact Assessment using a community lens of the WHOs four interlinking principles: democracy, sustainable development, equity, and ethical use of evidence. We produced an assessment showing the differences between technocratic and experience-led approaches, and shared our methodology with 10 groups from around the UK in a pilot programme who conducted their own exercises locally.

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Understanding playgrounds for inclusive and dynamic urban experiences

July 14, 2025

This study explores how urban playground design can either segregate or integrate children within the broader city fabric. By comparing Venice and Auckland, we illustrate how playgrounds in Venice encourage unstructured exploration, while those in Auckland limit engagement to isolated, structured zones. We propose strategies for urban design that foster inclusive and dynamic public spaces for children.

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A psychology and power intervention to help decision-makers prioritise health in ­­­urban development

July 13, 2025

Evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the built environment has an impact on people’s health, particularly in terms of noncommunicable diseases such as asthma, diabetes and poor mental health. However, health is rarely prioritised in urban planning decisions at present, and earlier work by this research group has shown that senior decision-makers feel they lack the power to influence planning and policy decisions in order to improve the situation. This intervention area adds to the wider research programme, which is focused primarily on the delivery of quantifiable socio-environmental and health economics valuations. People make decisions not just based on economic valuation, so an understanding of why people make decisions and how those decisions can change is essential. This paper describes the methodology that will be used to develop this intervention. Findings will be published later.

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A city in need: Analyzing the ongoing dilemma of open defecation in Delhi

April 22, 2025

Unveiling the hidden truth behind open defecation in Delhi, this study exposes the role of infrastructural incapacity and institutional failure. With 80% of surveyed households’ still practicing open defecation, the findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive policies to address the inadequacy of public and household facilities, water availability, and coordination among governmental bodies.

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Health impact assessments for healthier urban planning projects

April 22, 2025

Health impact assessments are a key tool to bridge the worlds of planning and health, but there’s a risk they become a ‘tick box’ exercise with little real-world benefit. Learning from recent practice in English local authorities can help maximise their effectiveness in producing healthier developments.

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A fresh framework for moving health knowledge into urban planning action

April 22, 2025

We took a significant step in identifying the existing gaps in knowledge translation for healthy cities and adopting a proactive approach to laying out opportunities for improvement. By developing a visual representation for a renewed conceptual framework, we provide a clear and insightful tool for planners, designers, and policymakers aiming to enhance knowledge translation processes. As a result, this study not only elevates knowledge translation as a field of study for urban professionals but also reinforces its importance in public health.

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