Connecting Healthy Urban Ecology with Human Health

Abstract

Our cities have been created to isolate humans from the ecological world. However, recent empirical evidence shows that the natural environment is a crucial determinant of human health, especially for urban dwellers. In the current article, we propose a conceptual framework of “healthy urban ecology and healthy people” to advocate the idea that healthy urban ecology can support healthy urban living, and by considering both aspects, we might reach a feasible approach to developing healthy cities. We suggest an evidence-based therapeutic landscape design. Creating a healthy city requires spatial development that considers both the physiological and psychological health and wellbeing of urban dwellers. A healthy city also needs ecological construction that considers a spatial solution, natural patterns and ecological flows, and the culture and socioeconomics of the environment. Moreover, the creation of a healthy city must include the idea of ecological construction with human health to develop an urban environment that includes both features. Although we cannot create a green space that has all of these qualities in both features, actions should be taken to find opportunities to fulfill at least some aspects of these goals in the development of urban environments. We should make every attempt to create a healthy city for humans and the natural world. With the proposed framework, we suggest city planners and landscape architects to use the introduced theories and environmental factors to create healthy cities. Achieving this goal will benefit both individuals and cities.

Keywords

Healthy City / Ecological Well-being / Human Health / Green Space

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2014 Higher Education Press