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Description
Public open and green spaces have been identified as being essential to the promotion of the well-being of urban areas and their communities (UN-Habitat, 2025). When integrated into public health-oriented urban planning strategies (WHO, 2020), they have been shown to be capable of mitigating spatial, environmental and health inequalities (UN-Habitat, 2023). The presence of an accessible network of usable public spaces, regardless of citizens' socioeconomic status, has been demonstrated to promote healthy lifestyles.
Numerous studies have underscored the environmental and health benefits of meticulously designed public spaces, including the reduction of atmospheric particulate matter and mitigation of local temperatures through the presence of vegetation (Junior et al., 2022). The facilitation of active mobility through the provision of safe and accessible walking paths has been shown to reduce air pollution and contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases (Sallis et al., 2016). In addition to the physical benefits outlined above, public spaces have been shown to have a significant impact on mental well-being by promoting socialisation (Roe et al., 2021).
The paper interprets public spaces as an integrated system of elements, including parks, pavements, sports areas and streets, with the capacity to ensure accessibility and inclusion, as well as facilitate access to essential services such as schools, health facilities and workplaces (Moreno et al., 2021).
In an urban context characterised by a dense fabric, planning an integrated network of public spaces for a health-oriented strategy presents significant complexities. This challenge is further compounded in sparsely populated remote areas, where services and public spaces are often distant, public transport networks are underdeveloped, and walking is impractical. In Italy, remote areas encompass approximately 60 per cent of the national territory (Lucatelli et al., 2022). These regions face significant challenges, including limited access to essential services, particularly in the domains of health and education. The limited connectivity with urban areas underscores the necessity to establish a network of social and health services, particularly in light of the ageing population and logistical challenges.
The paper presents the initial findings of the research 'THE -Tuscany Health Ecosystem', which is currently being conducted at the Department of Architecture in Florence as part of a partnership between the Universities of Tuscany and is financed by the National Recovery and Resilience Programme.
This study explores the concept of the healthy city in relation to issues of inclusiveness, integration between actors and the need to intervene on the accessibility of open spaces, the quality of road infrastructure and public spaces in inner areas. The analysis is based on the application of the “HNH model” (Macchi et al., 2024), with a focus on the “X minutes” city (Moreno, 2024) investigating the concept of proximity and networks of public spaces. The model is interpreted as a useful tool for two main purposes: firstly, to carry out field investigations aimed at analysing the permeability of proximity public spaces and their interactions with social and health services; and secondly, to support co-design activities conducted with stakeholders, citizens and institutions. The model was subjected to an experimental process in an inland area of Tuscany, with the Municipality of Bibbiena designated as the case study. The objective of this experimentation is to enhance the quality of life of citizens by promoting healthy lifestyles, facilitating access to social and health services in inland areas and developing shared visions that are oriented towards the design of a close and healthy city.
The central aim of the present paper is thus to contribute to the Healthy Cities urban planning debate by proposing a methodology that can also be replicated in low-density urban settings.
References
Lucatelli S. et al (2022), L'Italia lontana. Una politica per le aree interne, Donzelli, Roma
Macchi A. et. Al (2024), “Healthy Neighbourhoods Hub (HNH) Framework: A Practical Guide for Fostering Healthy and Inclusive Living in Florence’s Urban Environment”, Sustainability 16, 4423
Moreno C. (2024), “The 15-Minute City”: redesigning urban life with proximity to services”, Journal on Social Knowledge and Analysis, 30
Moreno C. et al (2021), “Introduzione alla "città in 15 minuti": Sostenibilità, resilienza e identità del luogo nelle future città post-pandemiche”, Smart Cities, 4, 93-111
Junior, D. P. et al (2022), The effect of urban green spaces on reduction of particulate matter concentration. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1104-1110
Roe J., McCay L, (2021), Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and Wellbeing; Bloomsbury Publishing, London, UK, pp. 9-16
Sallis J. et al (2016), “Physical activity in relation to urban environments in 14 cities worldwide: a cross-sectional study”, The Lancet
WHO (2023), Integrating health in urban and territorial planning: A sourcebook for urban leaders, health and planning professionals, Geneva, Switzerland
WHO (2020), Integrating Health in Urban and Territorial Planning: A Sourcebook, WHO, Switzerland
UN-Habitat (2025), Healthier Cities and Communities through Public Spaces
| Keywords | healthy city, proximity, remote areas |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
