Handbook

Healthy Planning is an inter-disciplinary elective for senior students studying to be built environment and health professionals. The course focuses on the ways in which built, natural and socio-cultural environments inhibit on the one hand, and on the other, enhance and sustain the physical and mental health of contemporary communities. The course explores the relationship between the urban environment and current chronic health issues facing modern society – particularly lifestyle related health problems associated with obesity and low rates of physical activity – for example, diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and depression. Research and theoretical issues which draw planning and health together are presented using specific case studies. Classes involve a mixture of lectures, participant discussion, presentations and strategic engagement with healthy planning tools. The course includes a significant field work project.