Health-Boosting Urban Neighbourhoods: A New Model in Designing and Planning Healthy Neighbourhoods; The Case of Sa’adi Neighbourhood, Shiraz

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master of Urban Design, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran

2 Professor,, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning,, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and objectives: Population growth and uncontrolled urbanisation in the 20th century drew attention to the concept of health, which depends on a healthy environment and suitable social, economic, environmental, and other contexts, with citizens forming the foundation of this city. Under identified design and planning strategies, actions, and policies for improving public health and welfare, the relationship between morphological and functional characteristics of urban fabrics and public health in cities is emphasised, which is considered an important and vital topic in contemporary cities and societies. In this regard, various approaches have been defined for designing healthy and suitable neighbourhoods for people to live in. Today, developed countries use the ‘salutogenic’ approach – an approach focused on human health and social well-being – to increase the ability of individuals, communities, and populations to maintain the health and well-being of citizens, as well as to offer a clear vision regarding the positive aspects of life. Based on this approach, and to achieve social, physical, and mental health of residents, urban neighbourhoods are designed to be self-sufficient, aiming to improve their quality of life.
The aim of this research is to develop a new model for designing and planning healthy neighbourhoods, relying on the salutogenic approach, suitable for the morphological and functional characteristics of the urban environment in Shiraz, which can play an effective role in promoting the health and well-being of citizens. Finding design and planning solutions for urban neighbourhoods with a salutogenic approach is also intended in this regard.
 
Materials and Methods: Whilst being applied research in terms of purpose, the method used here is mixed otherwise. Considering the salutogenic approach, the dependent variables are urban environments, including social health, mental health, and physical health of residents. The independent variables are the scope of urban neighbourhood planning, which are influenced by the dependent variables:

For measuring and valuing ‘objective components’, the expert observation method (researcher’s objective observation) is used.
For measuring the quality of ‘subjective and social components’, the resident- and local official-oriented evaluation method, and in some cases, a mixture of both is employed.
The method of conducting and collecting information includes library studies, observation, and field surveys.
In the data analysis section, both ‘descriptive statistical and inferential analysis methods’ are utilised.

 
Results and conclusion: The relationship between research dimensions and social health indicates that the functional, socio-cultural, managerial, environmental, and economic dimensions are related to the social health of residents. Furthermore, the managerial dimensions, accessibility, physical, aesthetic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions influence physical symptoms, stress, anxiety, function, and ultimately the physical and mental health of neighbourhood residents. As a result, it can be stated that improving these environmental qualities will lead to higher levels of public health in individuals and residents of that environment, and ultimately to healthier communities.
 

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References

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 October 2021
  • Revise Date: 18 March 2024
  • Accept Date: 12 September 2025

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