This project is a global, multi-institutional, transdisciplinary, open science initiative providing evidence-based spatial and urban policy indicators to advocate for and track progress towards healthy and sustainable cities for all (see more). Publications 4-9 below are part of The Lancet Global Health Series on Urban Design, Transport, and Health.
Related publications
Cities are formulating Climate Action Plans (CAPs) with pledges to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero status. Such plans could deliver significant benefits, however, there is currently no systematic, validated approach to assess the quality of CAPs. Without systematic evaluation, CAPs will remain merely aspirational documents, having no clear way to ensure intended climate and societal impacts. This project will develop a novel method to systematically evaluate CAPs at the intersection of environmental, economic, social, health, and behavioural sciences. This transdisciplinary approach will enable a comparative global-scale analysis of CAPs, contributing to scientific breakthroughs in climate action and accountability worldwide.
Related publications
Publications coming soon…
Cities are at the forefront of the climate crisis—both as key contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and as communities disproportionately affected by its health and economic consequences. Climate Action Plans (CAPs) are vital tools for cities to align with global climate targets, but many have yet to translate ambition into measurable outcomes. The transport sector is a major barrier to progress: passenger vehicles alone account for half of all transport emissions, with global demand expected to triple by 2050. This project examines the effectiveness of CAPs, with a focus on how cities are addressing transport-related emissions and their implications for public health. Through a comparative analysis of CAPs across North America, Europe, and the Global South, we aim to identify strengths, gaps, and best practices to accelerate climate and health co-benefits in urban environments.
Related publications
Publications coming soon…
Launching in January 2026, the interdisciplinary SPACES project will design interventions and strategies to empower children with disabilities and chronic conditions to participate meaningfully in outdoor play and sports within urban public spaces. Acknowledging that most cities are not designed with inclusivity in mind, the project will identify physical and social barriers, co-create solutions with children and stakeholders, and implement them in Living Labs in Utrecht. An interactive community platform will also be developed to share knowledge, tools, and best practices for inclusive urban design
SPACES is one of six initiatives funded under the NWO-KIC call “Breaking barriers for an inclusive living environment”. Led by Utecht University, this consortium includes a wide network of partners such as the HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, UMC Utrecht/Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) , Municipality of Utrecht, Living Labs Merwede and Cartesius, and societal partners such as INK, YALP, MUST, Speelnatuur, Empower Mij Projecten, Stichting het Gehandicapte Kind, and Sport Utrecht.
Related publications
Publications coming soon…
This project investigates how built environment factors influence physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and obesity among adolescents aged 12–18 in Jeddah. In response to high rates of physical inactivity among Saudi youth, it employs adapted, validated surveys alongside GIS-based measures of neighbourhood walkability, playability, and pedestrian accessibility. By studying adolescent-parent pairs from neighbourhoods with diverse socioeconomic status, the project aims to generate evidence that informs policies and urban planning strategies to create healthier environments tailored to Saudi Arabia’s context.
Related publications
Publications coming soon…
Unlocking the Potential of Green Social Prescriptions to Reduce Health Inequity and Strengthen Environmental Sustainability
Spending time in green spaces—such as parks, gardens, and natural landscapes—has been shown to improve physical and mental health and encourage more sustainable lifestyles. However, many people, especially in disadvantaged communities, have faced barriers to access due to safety concerns, time constraints, and limited availability. This project examined how Green Social Prescriptions (GSPs)—structured programs like nature walks, community gardening, and forest bathing—can help bridge this gap by providing equitable, supported ways to connect with nature. In collaboration with partners across Australia, the UK, and the US, the team explored the types of GSPs available, who they serve, and their accessibility, acceptability, and affordability for those who could benefit most. Bringing together expertise from environmental epidemiology, psychology, public health, clinical care, and landscape architecture, the project worked closely with government, health, and community organisations to build an evidence base and develop practical guidance to scale up inclusive, nature-based solutions advancing health equity and environmental sustainability.
Related publications
Utilizing an environmental justice lens and earth science data to enhance greenspace Equity, Exposure, and Experience
This NASA-funded project leveraged earth science data and an environmental justice framework to better understand and enhance greenspace access in underserved urban communities. Centered on Camden and Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, it examined greenspace equity, exposure, and experience—assessing whether green areas were fairly distributed, visible, and of high quality for all residents. By integrating satellite imagery, remote sensing, and community engagement methods such as surveys and focus groups, the project co-developed innovative tools for mapping and analyzing greenspace justice. Its aim was to inform more equitable planning and policy, empower community decision-making, and ensure NASA’s earth science resources were accessible and actionable for environmental justice communities.
Related publications
Environmental and social supports for older adults in Colombia
This project explored how urban environments can better support healthy and active ageing across diverse cultural and geographic contexts, focusing on older adults in Colombia. It examined how cities can enable ageing in place through inclusive design, access to essential services, and support for social participation and a sense of place. Using participatory and experiential methods—including photo diaries, walk-along interviews, and community mapping—the project involved older adults as co-designers of age-friendly environments. Building on international collaborations, the work aimed to inform planning and policy approaches that advance dignity, wellbeing, and inclusion in later life, particularly in the Global South.
Related publications
This collection of research and public writing explores how urban environments and physical activity intersect with infectious disease resilience, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The articles present growing evidence that neighbourhoods designed to support walking, recreation, and active transport can help mitigate both infectious diseases like COVID-19 and long-standing non-communicable diseases. They call for a global public health research agenda that prioritises physical activity as a critical policy lever, especially in pandemic contexts. The work highlights how public health restrictions shaped mobility, and why urban density—when paired with access to greenspace and active infrastructure—can be health-promoting, even during crises. Spanning peer-reviewed studies, infographics, and editorials, this body of work advocates for equitable, activity-friendly urban design as a foundation for healthier, more resilient cities.
Related publications
This body of work highlights how urban design, social inequality, and structural conditions shape physical activity and health outcomes across cities in the Global South. From the unequal access to active transport programs in Bogotá to the constraints of necessity-driven movement in low-income communities, these studies call for context-specific, equity-focused planning. They examine how city planning can support healthier, more inclusive environments in rapidly urbanising regions, and propose the concept of “physical activity security” as a public health imperative. By integrating insights from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, the research provides a critical Global South lens on implementing the WHO physical activity guidelines, designing health-supportive environments, and strengthening the role of urban health in city planning.
Related publications
This programme of research examines how urban environments in India can be reimagined to promote healthier and more active lifestyles. It explores the rise of cycling and active mobility in Indian cities, the importance of inclusive street design in reclaiming public space and built environment factors that influence physical activity in low- and middle-income settings. Grounded in both local experience and global research, the work advocates for people-centered urban planning that prioritises walking, cycling, and equitable access to safe, vibrant public spaces across Indian cities
Related publications
GoPA! is a global organization consisting of physical activity researchers, epidemiologists, public health policy makers and practitioners that catalogues and analyzes global data on physical activity and health. The Global Observatory for Physical Activity was formed in response to the urgent call to action raised by the 2012 Lancet Physical Activity Series.
Related publications
A natural experiment investigating the impact of urban regeneration on public health
The PARC Study examined how large-scale urban regeneration—in this case, the Connswater Community Greenway in Belfast—impacted public health behaviors, particularly physical activity. Using a natural experiment design, the study combined before-and-after community surveys, GIS-measured changes in walkability and environment, interviews with residents and stakeholders, and cost-effectiveness analysis. Anchored in socio-ecological and RE-AIM frameworks, the research measured how regeneration efforts influenced the proportion of residents meeting UK physical activity guidelines and assessed the broader community and policy implications.
Related publications
This body of work explores the design of age-friendly cities in low- and middle-income countries. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the research examines how neighbourhood environments—especially access to green spaces, opportunities for intergenerational engagement, and social supports—impact physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and overall wellbeing among older adults. The studies highlight gender and cultural differences in ageing experiences, the importance of person-environment fit, and the role of inclusive urban design in promoting active, dignified ageing in rapidly urbanising contexts.
Related publications
Assessing Physical Activity with Webcams and Crowdsourcing
This body of research explores how emerging technologies—such as mobile apps, big data, webcams, and crowdsourcing—can be leveraged to understand and promote active living in urban environments. Studies include innovative approaches like analysing physical activity patterns through public webcams and crowd-annotated images, as well as examining how location-based games like Pokémon GO motivate movement and engagement with public spaces. By integrating technology and urban health research, this work offers new tools for cities to monitor, design, and encourage healthier, more active lifestyles.
Related publications
Environmental supports for physical activity in India
This project examined how urban environments in India affect physical activity, emphasizing walkability, active commuting, and connections to health outcomes such as obesity. Based on research in Chennai and other cities, it explored gender and socioeconomic differences, as well as the influence of necessity versus choice on transport-related activity. The project also adapted walkability measurement tools tailored to Indian contexts. Its findings identified key environmental supports and barriers to walking, providing evidence to guide urban design and public health policies aimed at fostering healthier, more active lifestyles amid India’s rapid urbanization.
Related publications
This project examined how built environments and workplace policies influence obesity, physical activity, and diet among diverse working adults in Missouri. By considering both residential and worksite settings, it identified key environmental and social supports that promote healthy behaviors, especially for minority and low-income populations at higher risk of obesity. Using validated tools and multilevel spatial analyses, the study provided valuable evidence to guide urban planning, workplace interventions, and policy development aimed at reducing obesity and related cancers. Its findings continue to inform employers, policymakers, and practitioners in advancing effective and equitable health promotion strategies.
Related publications
This project explored how social and ecological factors influence park use in communities that have nearby access to parks. The research revealed that despite physical proximity, barriers such as safety concerns, social dynamics, and environmental conditions can limit park usage. These findings highlight the importance of addressing not only access but also social and ecological constraints to promote equitable and meaningful use of green spaces for community health and wellbeing.
Related publications
Chennai—museum, exhibition, backyard
The Project on Mega Cities: Chennai—Museum, Exhibition, Backyard featured a visually rich study titled “Mapping Chennai,” which used maps, photographs, and other visual materials to explore the city’s complex urban fabric. This work captured Chennai’s evolving identity by documenting its diverse neighborhoods, public spaces, and everyday life, offering an engaging, multimedia perspective on the city’s history, social dynamics, and rapid growth as a megacity.
Related publications