healthy neighbourhoods
Walkability and open spaces
At co‑urban, we investigate how neighbourhoods and their spatial configuration shape everyday behaviour, particularly routine activities such as daily walking. Walkability has emerged as a critical field at the intersection of urban design and human ecology. It extends beyond the simple proximity of everyday destinations: it is fundamentally tied to questions of urban and built density as well as the design of streetscapes connecting destinations.
Higher built densities can support greater access to infrastructure, services, and diverse uses. Yet they also risk reducing the availability of open spaces that are essential for ecological performance and public health. Access to green and blue infrastructure plays a decisive role in improving air ventilation, mitigating heat‑island effects, and reducing pollution.
Walking to key destinations, spending time outdoors and engaging with natural landscapes support both physical and mental health. Regular exposure to shared and well-designed public spaces strengthens social interaction, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of belonging. Our research focuses on how these spatial and ecological conditions can be balanced, particularly in high‑density and socially deprived urban areas, to enable healthier, more active, and thus more socially connected neighbourhoods.
Publications are shared as links to official journals and publishers. New publications will be added soon.
research worldwide
Sharjah - high density neighbourhoods
This research collaboration with colleagues at American University of Sharjah and RMIT Melbourne will result in new insights on how high-density neighbourhoods in Sharjah have differing roles in impacting public health depending on their location.
Shanghai - Caoyang Workers Village
The 1950s Workers Village is explored regarding its contemporary walkability by investigating key neighbourhoods and their spatial integration as well as recent planning and design interventions.
Beijing - Edge Cities
In this research, we investigated the configuration of new edge cities and the overall outcome of daily walks being exposed to gated compounds and mixed urban areas.
Nottingham - Access to Green and Blue Infrastructure
In this research, we attempt to investigate the walkability of various neighbourhoods in Nottingham and their access to green and blue infrastructure.