How does the environment impact our physical and mental health? Over the past two decades, our understanding of health and wellbeing has deepened, driven by scientific breakthroughs and a growing awareness of how the built environment shapes our bodies and minds. The global pandemic further underscored the urgency of better understanding the role that the design of neighbourhoods and cities plays in supporting healthy living, social cohesion, and mental health.

A new piece of research, created in collaboration between the Behaviour and Building Performance (BBP) research group at the University of Cambridge, HawkinsBrown Architects, and Max Fordham, examines these impacts and offers designers helpful questions and principles to consider when planning healthy communities.

Focusing on the Eddington neighbourhood in North West Cambridge, the research investigated the impact of the green spaces that were created during the first phase of the development, and utilised an examination of emerging research to develop an evidence-based approach to a site-wide investigation of how urban environments influence an occupant’s experience, enjoyment, and long-term health and wellbeing.