Healthy, happy places-a more integrated approach to creating health and well-being through the built environment?

Abstract

Introduction: This paper explores how the built environment impacts upon health and well-being and suggests that there are opportunities for more integrated working between professionals and citizens to create healthier, happier places.

Sources of data: Policy and practice guidance is presented from the urban planning and design fields. Evidence and data are presented from a range of disciplines on housing, green infrastructure and mental well-being.

Areas of agreement: There is an overwhelming agreement around the principles and rationale of incorporating health in planning and design processes.

Areas of controversy: These principles are not always implemented in practice. Challenges also exist around how different disciplines create and use evidence.

Growing points: More innovative ways of working which incorporates health, public health, planners, designers and citizens, which responds to the needs of communities, should be tested.

Areas timely for developing research: Health and public health professionals can contribute to the evidence base using objective measures to assess the impact of the built environment on mental health and well-being.