Neighbourhood Models for Public Health

Abstract

Urban planning and public health have a long-lasting and intertwined relationship. Throughout history, major public health crises have often been linked to issues within the physical environment, while solutions are also sought through urban planning. This chapter explores this relationship through the lens of neighbourhood models over the last century. The models comprise Howard's ‘garden cities’ and Perry's ‘neighbourhood unit’ from the early 20th century, New Urbanists ‘Traditional Neighbourhood Development’ and ‘Transit-Oriented Development’ models from the second half of 20th century, and the recent (21st century) hyperlocal models like the ‘15/20-minute city’. These models emerged as responses to their respective eras’ pressing public health and socio-ecological challenges. A comparative retrospective assessment of these models investigates their evolution and relation to public health. Although they are developed in different spatiotemporal contexts, the comparison of the models reveal common themes proposed as remedies to create healthier, liveable residential environments, as well as the limitations and fallacies during their implementation in different contexts. As we confront the ongoing challenges of public health, climate change, and rapid urbanisation, there is a growing need to recalibrate neighbourhood models in a more relational and contextual manner while prioritising health, sustainability, and social equity. This comparative retrospective assessment of neighbourhood models lays the foundation to derive insights and implications for the discussions on the role and nature of models for the future design of residential environments.