Planning: Towards an Integration of Environmental Health Aspects

Abstract

The paper revisits the relationship between urban planning and public health, highlighting the need to reintegrate health considerations into spatial planning. While advances in living standards, sanitation, and housing have reduced direct health risks, environmental quality continues to affect well-being through issues such as noise, air pollution, and reduced physical activity in poorly designed neighbourhoods. The authors argue for a shift from mortality risks to broader health expectancy and quality of life, and for addressing inequalities in health outcomes linked to environmental justice. Reviewing evidence on the health impacts of spatial characteristics, the paper emphasises the lack of integrated approaches that combine multiple environmental and health factors. Recommendations are proposed for urban planning policy to promote healthier, more equitable living environments.