12.2 Built Environment and Health
4 min read•august 7, 2024
The shapes our health in profound ways. From to , our surroundings impact how we move, live, and thrive. This section explores how city planning and infrastructure choices can promote physical activity, reduce pollution, and foster community well-being.
Housing and community spaces also play a crucial role in public health. We'll examine strategies for creating affordable, safe housing and equitable neighborhoods. These approaches aim to address and build healthier communities for all residents.
Urban Design and Walkability
Designing Cities for Pedestrian Accessibility
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Top images from around the web for Designing Cities for Pedestrian Accessibility
5 Reasons America Needs Walkable Neighborhoods — Strong Towns View original
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5 Reasons America Needs Walkable Neighborhoods — Strong Towns View original
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- Built environment encompasses all physical aspects of where people live and work (buildings, streets, parks) that influence health behaviors and outcomes
- involves designing and managing the built environment to promote livability, sustainability, and public health through land use, transportation, and infrastructure decisions
- measures how conducive an area is to walking based on factors like pedestrian infrastructure (sidewalks, crosswalks), safety (lighting, traffic), and proximity to destinations (shops, services)
- Improving walkability through urban design strategies (, ) can increase physical activity levels and reduce obesity and chronic disease risks
Incorporating Nature into Urban Environments
- are areas of vegetation (parks, gardens, forests) incorporated into urban environments that provide physical and mental health benefits
- Access to green spaces is associated with increased physical activity, reduced stress and depression, improved air quality, and lower rates of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality
- Urban planning can prioritize the creation and preservation of green spaces through land use policies (zoning for parks), development incentives ( for including green space), and community engagement ()
- Examples of integrating nature into cities include linear parks (High Line in New York City), urban forests (Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro), and green roofs (Chicago City Hall)
Transportation and Housing
Developing Efficient and Equitable Transportation Networks
- Transportation systems include the infrastructure (roads, rail lines, bike lanes) and services (, ride-sharing) that enable people to move around their communities
- Access to reliable and affordable transportation is a key determinant of health, affecting access to healthcare, healthy food, education, and employment opportunities
- Transportation planning can prioritize modes (walking, cycling) and public transit over car-centric development to reduce air pollution, increase physical activity, and improve health equity
- Examples of innovative transportation solutions include bus rapid transit (TransMilenio in Bogotá), bike-sharing programs (Vélib' in Paris), and congestion pricing (London's Ultra Low Emission Zone)
Ensuring Access to Safe and Affordable Housing
- refers to the physical condition and safety of residential buildings, which can impact health through exposure to hazards (lead, mold, pests) and stress
- is housing that costs no more than 30% of a household's income, allowing residents to meet other essential needs (food, healthcare, education)
- Land use policies can promote the development of affordable housing through inclusionary zoning (requiring a percentage of units to be affordable), density bonuses (allowing higher density in exchange for affordable units), and (subsidizing development costs)
- Examples of initiatives to improve housing quality and affordability include housing trust funds (Seattle's Housing Levy), community land trusts (Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative in Boston), and home repair programs (Philadelphia's Basic Systems Repair Program)
Community Health and Equity
Addressing Environmental Injustices
- is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income
- Low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards (polluting industries, toxic waste sites) and have less access to environmental benefits (green spaces, healthy food)
- Strategies to promote environmental justice include (identifying local environmental health concerns), policy advocacy (strengthening environmental regulations), and green jobs training (preparing residents for employment in sustainable industries)
- Examples of environmental justice victories include the cleanup of the Dudley Triangle in Boston and the closure of the Fisk and Crawford coal plants in Chicago
Building Healthy and Equitable Communities
- are places that promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of all residents through access to healthcare, healthy environments, and social support networks
- are local regulations that govern land use, density, and building types, which can impact community health by shaping access to resources (healthcare facilities, grocery stores) and exposure to hazards (polluting industries, fast food outlets)
- are tools used to evaluate the potential health effects of policies, plans, and projects and make recommendations to maximize health benefits and minimize harms
- Examples of initiatives to build healthy communities include the Healthy Neighborhoods Equity Fund in Massachusetts, the Fresh Food Financing Initiative in Pennsylvania, and the Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. Supreme Court case that established the constitutionality of zoning for public health
Key Terms to Review (26)
Active transportation: Active transportation refers to any form of human-powered travel, such as walking, biking, or using other non-motorized modes of transport. This concept is closely linked to public health and urban planning, as it encourages physical activity and reduces reliance on cars, leading to benefits for both individual health and the environment.
Affordable Housing: Affordable housing refers to housing units that are priced so that they are within the financial reach of low- to moderate-income households. This type of housing is crucial for promoting economic stability and ensuring that all individuals have access to safe and adequate living conditions, which is essential for overall public health and community well-being.
Built environment: The built environment refers to the human-made spaces and structures where people live, work, and interact, including buildings, roads, parks, and other infrastructure. This concept is crucial for understanding how our surroundings impact health outcomes, influencing behaviors related to physical activity, access to resources, and overall well-being.
Community-based participatory research: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an approach that involves community members in the research process to address health issues and promote equity. This method fosters collaboration between researchers and communities, ensuring that the research is relevant and beneficial to those affected by the issues being studied.
Complete Streets Policy: Complete streets policy refers to a planning approach that aims to create roadways that accommodate all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and public transport passengers. This policy emphasizes the importance of designing streets that prioritize safety, accessibility, and livability, recognizing the diverse needs of communities. By implementing complete streets policies, urban planners can enhance public health outcomes by promoting active transportation and reducing reliance on cars.
Density bonuses: Density bonuses are incentives offered by local governments to developers, allowing them to build more units or greater floor area than what is normally permitted under zoning regulations. These bonuses are often used to promote affordable housing, mixed-use developments, or specific community benefits, effectively increasing the density of housing in a given area. By providing these bonuses, municipalities can encourage development that aligns with public health goals and enhances the built environment.
Environmental injustices: Environmental injustices refer to the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized and disadvantaged communities, often due to systemic inequalities. These injustices manifest through factors like unequal access to clean air, water, and safe living conditions, which are compounded by socio-economic status, race, and location. The interplay between these social factors and environmental exposure highlights the need for equitable solutions to protect vulnerable populations.
Environmental Justice: Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in the development and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. It highlights how disadvantaged communities often bear a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards and stresses the need for equitable access to environmental resources and benefits.
Gentrification: Gentrification is the process of transforming urban neighborhoods through the influx of new, often wealthier residents, leading to rising property values and rents. This phenomenon typically displaces long-term, lower-income residents and alters the social fabric of the community. Gentrification can be driven by various factors, including economic development initiatives, changes in housing demand, and investments in infrastructure.
Geospatial Analysis: Geospatial analysis is the process of gathering, displaying, and manipulating geographic data to understand spatial relationships and patterns. This method utilizes various data visualization tools and geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze how location influences different social, economic, and health-related outcomes. It plays a crucial role in identifying environmental factors that affect community health and well-being.
Green spaces: Green spaces refer to areas that are predominantly covered with vegetation, including parks, gardens, and natural reserves, providing environmental, recreational, and health benefits to communities. These spaces enhance urban settings by promoting biodiversity, improving air quality, and offering a place for physical activity and social interaction. Access to green spaces is essential for mental well-being and encourages healthier lifestyles among residents.
Health Impact Assessments: Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) are systematic evaluations that aim to predict the potential health effects of a proposed project, policy, or program before it is implemented. HIAs consider various factors like environmental, social, and economic aspects to provide recommendations that promote positive health outcomes and minimize adverse impacts. By incorporating community input and scientific evidence, HIAs facilitate informed decision-making in planning processes related to the built environment.
Healthy cities: Healthy cities refer to urban areas that are designed to promote the health and well-being of their residents through integrated and sustainable practices. These cities prioritize health by focusing on the built environment, social cohesion, and access to essential services, ensuring that all individuals can lead healthy lives regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Healthy communities: Healthy communities refer to environments that promote well-being and quality of life for all residents through a variety of interconnected factors such as access to healthcare, nutritious food, safe neighborhoods, and recreational opportunities. These communities focus on social cohesion, active participation, and sustainable practices that enhance public health outcomes. A holistic approach considers the built environment, social determinants of health, and individual behaviors as integral to fostering community health.
Housing quality: Housing quality refers to the overall condition and suitability of a residential building for living. This includes various factors such as structural integrity, safety, cleanliness, access to basic utilities, and proximity to essential services. The quality of housing significantly impacts residents' health, well-being, and social interactions, linking it closely to broader discussions about public health and community living conditions.
Mixed-use development: Mixed-use development refers to a type of urban design that combines residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational spaces into one integrated environment. This approach fosters community interaction, reduces reliance on cars, and encourages walking by placing essential services and amenities within close proximity to homes. By promoting diverse land use, mixed-use development can enhance the quality of life for residents and contribute to sustainable urban growth.
Participatory Planning Processes: Participatory planning processes refer to collaborative approaches in which stakeholders, including community members, government officials, and other relevant parties, are actively involved in the decision-making and planning of projects that affect their environment and well-being. These processes are crucial for addressing the needs of diverse populations and fostering equitable outcomes in urban development, land use, and public health initiatives.
Pedestrian-friendly streets: Pedestrian-friendly streets are urban environments designed to prioritize the safety, comfort, and accessibility of people walking. These streets often feature wide sidewalks, safe crosswalks, green spaces, and amenities that encourage walking as a primary mode of transportation, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community.
Public transit: Public transit refers to a system of transportation services available for use by the general public, including buses, subways, trams, and ferries. These services are designed to provide affordable and accessible transportation options that connect communities, reduce traffic congestion, and minimize environmental impacts. Public transit plays a crucial role in urban planning and development, linking residents to essential services and employment opportunities while promoting social equity.
Public-private partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are collaborative agreements between government entities and private sector companies aimed at delivering public services or infrastructure projects. These partnerships leverage the strengths of both sectors, with the public sector providing regulatory support and funding while the private sector brings expertise, efficiency, and innovation to service delivery. PPPs can lead to improved outcomes in health and community development by integrating resources and expertise.
Transportation Systems: Transportation systems refer to the various infrastructures and services that facilitate the movement of people and goods from one location to another. These systems encompass roads, railways, airports, public transit, and other modes of transport, and they play a crucial role in shaping the built environment and influencing health outcomes in communities.
Urban design: Urban design is the process of shaping the physical setting for life in cities and towns, focusing on the arrangement, appearance, and functionality of urban spaces. It encompasses various elements such as architecture, landscape design, and city planning, ultimately aiming to create vibrant, sustainable, and accessible environments for residents and visitors. The success of urban design can significantly influence public health outcomes by promoting active lifestyles, social interaction, and overall well-being.
Urban planning: Urban planning is the process of designing and regulating land use in urban areas to create sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments for communities. It involves assessing the needs of the population, transportation systems, public spaces, and infrastructure to promote health, safety, and well-being. Good urban planning takes into account various factors like population growth, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Urbanization: Urbanization refers to the increasing population shift from rural areas to urban areas, resulting in the growth and expansion of cities. This process influences various aspects of society, including economic development, social dynamics, and public health, as urban environments can both provide opportunities and pose challenges for residents.
Walkability: Walkability refers to the measure of how friendly an area is to walking, encompassing various factors like the presence of sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and the proximity of amenities. A highly walkable neighborhood typically features a compact layout, safe streets, and easy access to shops, parks, and public transport, promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger community ties. It plays a crucial role in shaping the neighborhood environment and has significant implications for public health and well-being.
Zoning Laws: Zoning laws are regulations set by local governments that dictate how land can be used in different areas, helping to organize urban development and ensure that different types of activities do not interfere with each other. These laws play a critical role in shaping neighborhoods and the built environment by determining the types of buildings allowed, their height, density, and the types of activities that can take place within specific zones. By controlling land use, zoning laws aim to promote public health, safety, and general welfare within communities.