Reading list: Urban wellbeing
New Zealand material
International research and reviews
Websites and other resources
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Note: If you know of any recent research, policy or literature about urban wellbeing that we have not included below please email through the details to resource@mentalhealth.org.nz
New Zealand material
Integrating Health Impact Assessment in Urban Design and Planning: the Manukau Experience
Field, A. (2011). Wellington: Ministry of Health.
Full report: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/10813/$File/hia-urban-design-12Sept11.pdf
This paper explores how a health impact assessment (HIA) process was used to forge closer links between health and urban design agendas in Manukau City. The case study reveals many common interests among public health and urban designers/planners, and also reveals how a public health-oriented approach was able to engage people across a range of sectors, along with Māori stakeholders, to influence long-term planning for a city centre.
Nature rich settings and healthy ageing: older women in urban parks
Hopkins, H.L. (2010). Christchurch: Lincoln University.
Link to thesis: http://hdl.handle.net/10182/2735
The trends toward population ageing and urbanisation highlight the important influence of urban environments to healthy ageing. Emerging research provides evidence of the significance of nature rich settings to health and wellbeing. This research explores the value and meaning of nature rich urban parks to older women, and the influence of park use on healthy ageing.
Healthy places, healthy Lives: urban environments and wellbeing
Public Health Advisory Committee. (2010, April). Wellington: Ministry of Health
Full report: http://www.nhc.health.govt.nz/sites/www.nhc.health.govt.nz/files/documents/publications/urban-environments-apr10.pdf
There is a growing body of research highlighting that it is possible to design cities and towns for positive health outcomes. Healthy Places, Healthy Lives outlines this evidence and describes a number of case studies that illustrate ways to design cities, towns, neighbourhoods and streets to promote health. The report also describes the leadership role that New Zealand's health system can take to help shape urban form for improved health outcomes.
Participation in place making: enhancing the wellbeing of marginalised communities in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Ricketts, A. (2008). Wellington: Victoria University.
Link to thesis http://nzresearch.org.nz/index.php/record/viewSchema/44102/3
A cross-disciplinary literature review and four case studies show that community participation in public space design enhances the wellbeing of marginalised communities. Four aspects of community wellbeing stand out as being most significantly enhanced by participatory processes. These are an increased empowerment, enhanced vision-making and advocacy capabilities, an increased collective action and an enhanced sense of pride, belonging and connectedness to community.
Subjective wellbeing and the city
Morrison, P. (2007, July). Social Policy Journal of New Zealand, 74-103.
Full Article http://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/journals-and-magazines/social-policy-journal/spj31/31-Pages74-103.pdf
Using data from the New Zealand Quality of Life Surveys, Morrison analyses the impact of place on wellbeing.
Neighbourhood environments that support families
Witten, K.., Penney. L., Faalau, F. & Jensen, V. (2006). Wellington: Families Commission.
Full Report: http://www.familiescommission.govt.nz/sites/default/files/downloads/BS-neighbourhood-environments.pdf
The report highlights results from a research project entitled The Place of Caregiving: community environments, participation, health and wellbeing. The project explored the relationship between characteristics of the natural and built environments of selected neighbourhoods, and the daily experiences of parents living and raising young children in these neighbourhoods. Study findings that relate to the attributes of urban neighbourhoods that support families are presented.
The role of Maori values in Low-impact Urban Design and Development (LIUUD)
Harmsworth, G.R. (2004). Palmerston North: Landcare Research
Paper: http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/built/liudd/documents/maori_urban_sustainability.pdf
This discussion paper provides a framework to guide the practical inclusion of Maori values in low-impact urban design and development.
International research and reviews
Understanding the pursuit of happiness in ten major cities
Leyden, K.M., Goldberg, A., & Michelbach, P. (2011, November). Urban Affairs Review, 47, 861-888.
Abstract: http://uar.sagepub.com/cgi/content/short/47/6/861
This article finds that the design and conditions of cities are associated with the happiness of residents in 10 urban areas. Cities that provide easy access to convenient public transportation and to cultural and leisure amenities promote happiness. Cities that are affordable and serve as good places to raise children also have happier residents. Such places foster the types of social connections that can improve happiness.
Natural environments and their impact on activity, health, and quality of life
Ward - Thompson, K., & Aspinall, P. (2011, November). Applied Psychology: Health and Wellbeing, 3(3), 230-260.
Abstract: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1758-0854.2011.01053.x/abstract
The findings show certain consistent patterns in active use of natural environments, and in attractors and barriers to use. They suggest that natural open space offers opportunities for peace, relaxation, and social activities and, for many, physical activity is a secondary benefit, rather than a primary purpose in visits.
Psychological benefits of walking: moderation by company and outdoor environment
Johansson, M., Hartig, T., & Staats, H. (2011, November). Applied Psychology: Health and Wellbeing, 3(3), 261-280.
Abstract: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1758-0854.2011.01051.x/abstract
On average, walking per se increased positive affect and reduced negative affect. Feelings of time pressure declined to a greater extent with the park walk than the street walk. Revitalisation increased during the park walks to a greater degree when alone, but it increased more during the walk along streets when with a friend.
Good places for ageing in place: development of objective built environment measures for investigating links with older people's wellbeing
Burton E.J., Mitchell L. & Stride C.B. (2011, November). BMC Public Health, 11(1), [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22044518
Ageing in place is a key strategy for coping with the challenges of longevity. This research developed a tool to measure a large range of built environment characteristics, in order to better understand how individual characteristics of older people's residential environments contribute to their wellbeing and provide the basis for evidence-based housing/urban design and development of interventions.
The health benefits of urban green spaces: a review of the evidence
Lee, A.C.K. & Maheswaran, R. (2011). Journal of Public Health, 33(2), 212-222.
Abstract: http://jpubhealth.oxfordjournals.org/content/33/2/212.abstract
This review article found weak evidence for the links between physical, mental health and wellbeing, and urban green space. Most studies supported the view that green space has a beneficial health effect. Establishing a causal relationship is difficult however, as the relationship is complex.
Built environment and mental health
Evans G.W. & Ferguson K.T. (2011). In: Nriagu, J. Encyclopedia of Environmental Health, Elsevier Science, 446-449.
Abstract: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444522726000064
This chapter reviews the literature available on the relationship between the built environment and mental health, discussing the effects of the built environment on stress, behavioural control, and levels of social support. Also discussed is housing quality, noise, residential crowding, and exposure to light and natural settings.
Good Foundations: towards a low carbon, high well-being built environment
Aked, J., Michaelson, J. & Steuer, N. (2010). London: NEF (the New Economics Foundation).
Full report: http://www.neweconomics.org/sites/neweconomics.org/files/Good_Foundations.pdf
This report explores the influence of place and space in people's daily lives. Commissioned by the Happold Trust, it was written to offer new insights into the connection between people's wellbeing and the built environment, and to consider how better account could be given to these linkages through policy development and professional practice.
Beyond Blue to Green: the benefits of contact with nature for mental health and well-being
Townsend M. and Weerasuriya R. (2010). Melbourne, Australia: Beyond Blue Limited.
Full report: http://www.hphpcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/beyondblue_togreen.pdf
This report, commissioned by beyondblue: the Australian National Depression Initiative, provides a review of literature on the links between mental health and wellbeing and contact with nature, especially through green spaces. The major focus is on the links between parks and other green open spaces and mental health, in particular depression and anxiety.
A systematic review of built environment and health
Renalds, A., Smith T.H. & P.J. Hale. (2010). Family & Community Health, 33(1), 68-78.
Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20010006
This article reviews the research examining the relationship between the built environment and health. The 23 articles reviewed indicate that neighborhoods that are characterised as more walkable, either leisure-oriented or destination-driven, are associated with increased physical activity, increased social capital, lower levels of obesity, lower reports of depression, and less reported alcohol abuse.
An urban community-based intervention to advance social interactions
Semenza, J.C. & T.L. March. Environment and Behavior, (2009, January), 41, 22-42.
Abstract: http://eab.sagepub.com/cgi/content/short/41/1/22
An intervention was developed to engage urban communities in creating pleasant amenities, including information kiosks, benches, trellises for hanging gardens, and art features such as street paintings. A survey of 359 residents found 53% rated their neighbourhood better than before. In qualitative comments, 30% mentioned increased social interactions, 13% enhanced sense of place, 43% neighbourhood participation, and 20% aesthetic aspects of their local environment. Community involvement in urban design enriches social networks with benefits for social capital and wellbeing.
Cultivating resilience: urban stewardship as a means to improving health and well-being
Svendsen, E. (2009). In: Campbell, L. & Wiesen, A., eds. Restorative commons: creating health and wellbeing through urban landscapes. Gen. Tech Rep. NRS-P-39. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 58-87.
Paper: http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/gtr/gtr-nrs-p-39papers/05-svendsen-p-39.pdf
One of 18 articles inspired by the Meristem 2007 Forum, "Restorative Commons for Community Health". The article looks at how involvement in stewardship initiatives such as community gardens can build resiliency, aid recovery, and maintain wellbeing.
More than jobs and houses: mental health, quality of life and the perceptions of locality in an area undergoing urban regeneration
Rogers A., Huxley P., Evans S., & Gately C. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. (2008 May), 43(5), 364-72.
Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18274693
This paper considers the relationship between perceptions of locality adversity, mental health and social capital in an area undergoing urban regeneration. Themes included concerns about the absence of social control, the reputation of the area, a lack of faith in local agencies, a reliance on personal coping strategies, and perceived threats to mental health. In order to enhance quality of life or mental health, agencies involved in urban initiatives need to promote security, increase leisure opportunities, and improve the image of the locality.
Ecotherapy -the green agenda for mental health
(2007). London: Mind.
Full report: http://www.mind.org.uk/assets/0000/2138/ecotherapy_report.pdf
This report summarises the results of two Mind-commissioned studies investigating the benefits of ecotherapy for mental distress, and makes recommendations for the role of green space and green exercise in treatment for mental distress and designing for mental wellbeing.
People and green spaces: promoting public health and mental well-being through ecotherapy
Burls, A. (2007). Journal of Public Mental Health, 6(3), 24-39.
Abstract: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1934764
This paper debates how the use of ecotherapy can achieve both individual health and public and environment health outcomes. It finds that people seeking personal recovery through stewardship of green spaces may achieve unanticipated social capital and natural capital outcomes. This added social value has not been previously considered in people's wellbeing and recovery from ill health or social exclusion.
Health impacts of the built environment
Lavin, T., Higgins, C., Metcalfe, O. & Jordan, A. (2006). Dublin: Institute of Public Health in Ireland.
Report: http://www.healthimpactproject.org/resources/document/Inst-Pub-Health-Ireland-2006_Health_Impacts_of_the_Built_Environment_A_Review.pdf
This report reviews the different ways the built environment impacts on health, including the role of buildings, public spaces, physical activity and green spaces, and social networks.
The impact on mental well-being of the urban and physical environment : an assessment of the evidence
Chu, A. Thorne, A. & Guite, H. (2004). Journal of Mental Health Promotion. 2, 8-17.
Abstract: http://metapress.com/content/276420r76k063m0u
This paper includes a literature review of health, social sciences and architectural research and a preliminary conceptual model developed to pull together all aspects of the interface between the urban and physical environment and mental wellbeing. The results show the importance of a public health approach, which focuses on causal systems rather than simply on individual causal factors.
Websites and other resources
Urban Design Toolkit
Third edition, (2009, March). Wellington: Ministry for the Environment. Ref: ME922.[]
Web version: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/urban/urban-toolkit-2009/index.html
A collection of tools, including examples and references, which can be used to facilitate high-quality urban design. The Toolkit supports the implementation of the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol and includes a section on Health Impact Assessments.
Contact
Mental Health Foundation Resources & Information Service
PO Box 10051, Dominion Road, Auckland, 1446
81 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland, 1021
Phone 09 300 7030, fax 09 300 7020
Email: info@mentalhealth.org.nz
www.mentalhealth.org.nz
