Understanding the influence of local politicians on healthy local planning policy

November 7, 2025

Understanding of the influence of local political actors helps to highlight where their influence is limited, particularly by national-level housing policy, which in the UK is focused on housing numbers, rather than quality of new homes, as well as financial viability and public opinion. Understanding this can help to build trust in the political processes of decision-making and inform interventions for healthier place-making.

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Place-based well-being: The impact of neighbourhood aesthetics on physical activity, stress levels, and obesity in school children

November 7, 2025

Urban environments in many cities, both those found in Mexico and many other countries, can be called obesogenic – they are prone to promote obesity. Relevant factors are that they foster sedentary behaviour, poor dietary choices, and elevated stress levels; thus contributing to higher obesity rates. Urban planning, design, and practices offer opportunities for upstream public health interventions to mitigate these negative health impacts. These findings are especially relevant given the role of neighbourhood environments in encouraging children’s physical activity and reducing obesity.

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Making streets safer for women: A women-centric walkability index for Kollam’s urban future, India

October 13, 2025

This study introduces the Women-Centric Walkability Index, addressing factors influencing women’s walking experiences in urban areas. Analyzing fifty-five wards in Kollam Corporation, Kerala, we identified key indicators like well-maintained sidewalks, street lighting, safety measures, and access to public amenities that enhance women’s walkability. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process and GIS analysis, our research highlights the need for safer, more accessible, and comfortable walking environments for women, benefiting all pedestrians.

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Shared mobility as a mean to tackle transport poverty in deprived neighbourhoods

October 13, 2025

Shared mobility hubs that offer (electric) bikes and cars can be a sustainable solution that enables people to expand their mobility options while protecting cities’ environment by reducing private car use and encouraging cycling. We interviewed residents of a deprived neighbourhood in Utrecht, the Netherlands, to understand their mobility needs and views on a recently implemented shared mobility hub in their neighbourhood, identifying potential obstacles in the process.

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Making cities walkable for caregivers: bridging urban complexity and mobility justice

October 13, 2025

We examine how caregiving-related needs remain overlooked in walkability and Transit-Oriented Development strategies. Despite high levels of urban complexity, many transit-accessible areas lack essential caregiving-support places, particularly in vulnerable neighbourhoods. This spatial mismatch limits care-engaged individuals’ ability to chain trips, and access services, reinforcing mobility and social inequities. Our research highlights the need to integrate caregiving accessibility into planning frameworks to ensure that walkable cities are also inclusive and care-supportive.

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Regenerative urban design and planning: Insights from Turkey for cities worldwide

October 7, 2025

This study contributes to understanding the intersection of regenerative planning principles and legal frameworks. It identifies the extent to which Turkey’s urban planning legislation aligns with regenerative principles, highlights key gaps in the current system that restricts the integration of regenerative approaches and provides insights that can inform urban planning practices and legislative reforms globally.

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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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