1. Encouraging active transportation: Urban design can prioritize pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, provide safe and connected walkways and bike paths, and promote physical activity for daily commuting and leisure.
2. Designing public spaces: Urban design can provide recreational and social engagement spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and community gardens.
3. Enhancing access to healthy food: Urban design can increase access to fresh food options by promoting farmers' markets, community gardens, and healthy food outlets.
4. Creating walkable and bikeable neighborhoods: Urban design can plan neighborhoods that are convenient and easy to walk or bike around, with shops, services, and amenities within easy reach.
5. Reducing pollution and noise: Urban design can promote public health by reducing exposure to noise, air, and water pollution, which can lead to respiratory, cardiovascular and other health problems.
6. Ensuring equitable access to health amenities: Urban design can prioritize the distribution of healthcare facilities, community centers, and social services to ensure that all residents have equal access to health amenities and services.
7. Promoting safety: Urban design can support safe environments by enhancing street lighting, public transport security, and neighborhood watch programs, which can encourage more people to go outside and engage in physical activity.
Overall, urban design can play a significant role in promoting healthy lifestyles by creating environments that facilitate active living, healthy food options, social interaction, and equitable access to amenities and services.
Publication date: