Conference Contribution Details
Mandatory Fields
Peter Scanlon
9th AHRA Research Student Conference
What attributes of an Urban Environment affect Health & Quality of Life?
Robert Gordon University Aberdeen
Oral Presentation
2012
Optional Fields
Health is a fundamental human right. Urban development and its immediate environment are inextricably linked with health and well being. Key determinants from existing literature of neighbourhood health and well-being are residential density, land use mix, good connectivity and accessibility to facilities such as sports and leisure and green spaces. In order to promote and protect this fundamental right, a transformation in urban development policy is required with the focus shifting away from economic growth, towards the user, the environment and health and well-being. This poses a challenge not only to construction professionals, but also to society and its communities. Studies such as Croucher et al (2007) have explored contemporary challenges for promoting both healthy patterns of living and how environmentally conscious design of urban fabric should be taken up within our cities. This paper will present findings from a study relating to urban neighbourhoods on a number of themes. Furthermore it will outline methodological approach employed to explore these themes and meet aims and objectives of the project. Findings will give local government, designer¿s etc greater insight into developing more humanistic and healthy design strategies and policies