Topics applied into action

The ‘runnability of cities’ as a novel spatial planning approach can enhance healthier and more enabling environments for everyone.

I use the travelogue methodology to investigate urban health and sustainable development in relation to the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand, revealing new insights and bringing travel to urban areas near the river into knowledge production.

Gentrification is reshaping cities worldwide. It has both upsides and downsides for older adults, including rising costs, housing scarcity, weakened social ties, and mental health issues.

Reducing loneliness through nature-based social prescribing: Testing innovations in six cities worldwide and generating evidence to support community-based solutions.

Are you prepared for the health risks of extreme heat? Our new study shows that exposure to extreme heat increases the risk of mortality from Non-Communicable Diseases. Check out our systematic review of the effects of extreme heat, both indoors and outdoors, on health in the UK.

We highlight the beneficial interactions of "sensescapes", the combination of soundscapes and natural landscapes, on psycho-physiological health. Our work shows the significance of interdisciplinary urban design and planning in harnessing these benefits - to enhance health and urban sustainability through the integration of nature's influences on the body and mind.

The world is currently responding to the climate crisis and the nature crisis as if they were separate challenges. This is a dangerous mistake. The are leading to dire impacts for our health

Belfast has very high levels of car use. Working with stakeholders we tried to understand what factors influence this. System wide factors, such as financial models for transport, a collective car-orientated mindset and car dominated road infrastructure, have the strongest influence on individual behaviour.

A case study in Tokyo reveals how road width, green spaces, and local amenities influence joggers' route selection, drawn from extensive data analysis. These insights hold significant implications for urban planning strategies, advocating for city designs that prioritize exercise and outdoor activities.

The foundation is to generate awareness and evidence of existing housing conditions and their health impacts. Then collaborate across sectors and with stakeholders, establish effective enforcement systems, and tackle issues around private rights.

Urban greenness affects people's physical and mental health. Residential greenness is associated with reductions in cortisol levels after six months in patients with chronic heart failure undergoing rehabilitation.

To create healthy urban places and spaces, public acceptance is key to success.