The Urban Determinants of Health

We called the environmental features we consider in healthy urban planning “Urban determinants of health”,  and these can be classified into 5 categories: 

• First - Density, specifically residential and economic density. A gentle density of services and housing, on a human scale, provides a walkable and pleasant environment.
• Second - Mobility. This relates to questions like: How are your streets connected? Is it easy and safe to get around? And do you have a high quality cycle network?
• Third - Mixed use and proximity. Housing close to the various amenities, services, green areas, commerce and infrastructure provides an environment in which everything is accessible within 15-20 minutes and makes for a healthy city.
• Fourth - Environment. This not only refers to the quantity but also to the quality and continuity of the city's green infrastructure, so it becomes an ecological asset that can be used for exercise and leisure.
• Fifth - Housing. How is this organised? Is it equitable for all? Does it provide energy savings and efficiency opportunities?