Written by Amy McCready for the Progress Playbook
With more than two-thirds of the global population projected to live in cities by 2050, the design of urban environments is increasingly recognised as a critical factor influencing public health. From the placement of parks to the layout of neighbourhoods, urban planning decisions have far-reaching implications for mental and physical wellbeing.
Recent projects across Europe have highlighted how prioritising health in urban development can create vibrant, resilient communities while reducing long-term costs. A growing focus on integrating green spaces, encouraging active mobility, and ensuring access to essential services like food and healthcare, has provided new opportunities for cities to enhance the quality of life for their residents.
The link between urban planning and health outcomes is well-documented. Neighbourhoods with accessible parks and reliable public transport promote physical activity and reduce pollution. Cleaner air benefits cardiovascular and respiratory health, while walkable streets encourage social interaction and community engagement. Green infrastructure, meanwhile, has been shown to alleviate stress and improve mental wellbeing.
This connection is shaping how cities approach development. For instance, Lisbon has begun transforming the Santo António Valley, a central area marked for revitalisation, with new housing, an urban park, and mobility hubs designed to foster a “15-minute city” model — where key amenities are reachable on foot or by bike. Early assessments indicate that these changes could significantly improve mental health outcomes while making the area more attractive to residents and businesses alike.
Similarly, in Cascais, planners are reimagining a neighbourhood of 20,000 residents to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists. A new park, reduced traffic, and a multifunctional green-roofed car park are among the measures aimed at creating a healthier and more connected community.
Measuring impact: Quantifying the benefits of such developments is no small task, but emerging tools are helping cities make informed decisions. The Healthy Cities Generator, developed by innovation consultants at Bax in collaboration with EIT Urban Mobility and the University of Lisbon, offers urban planners and policymakers the ability to measure the economic and health impacts of their projects.
Bradford, a UK city at the forefront of health-focused planning, recently tested the tool on a major redevelopment project. The analysis revealed that improving walkability, expanding green spaces, and enhancing public transport could not only improve health outcomes but also lead to significant savings in healthcare costs. Bradford’s planners used these findings to build a strong business case for investment, demonstrating how strategic planning can yield both social and economic benefits.
“Urban environments shape every aspect of our lives—from how much we move to how we connect with our neighbours,” says Dr Saira Ali of the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. “Making health a core consideration in planning creates not just better cities but stronger communities.”
The economic case: As cities work to balance population growth with sustainability goals, the economic argument for health-oriented urban planning is gaining attention. Reduced healthcare costs, lower absenteeism, and increased productivity are some of the measurable outcomes associated with healthier environments. Tools like the Healthy Cities Generator allow cities to forecast these impacts, providing a compelling rationale for investment.
Dr Ali notes that this evidence-based approach has been instrumental in Bradford. “It allowed us to demonstrate benefits across departments — public health, planning, and highways. This kind of collaboration is essential for making cities better for health.”
Looking ahead: As cities around the world grapple with the dual challenges of rapid urbanisation and growing health inequalities, initiatives like these underscore the potential of urban planning to drive change. By aligning public health goals with infrastructure development, cities can create environments that are not only functional but also supportive of wellbeing.
The examples from Lisbon, Cascais, and Bradford offer a glimpse into what’s possible when health takes centre stage in planning decisions. With innovative tools and cross-sector collaboration, the future of urban living could be one where thriving communities and healthier lifestyles become the norm.
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