Client: Diputació de Barcelona
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Year: 2024
The “Carrers i Salut” (Streets and Health) guide provides a framework for integrating health considerations into street design and planning. It is based on scientific evidence that links urban environment factors to public health and wellbeing.
Key Objectives
The guide aims to:
- Raise awareness of the impact of street design on health and wellbeing.
- Provide guidance to municipal technicians on incorporating health perspectives into their projects.
- Improve communication and dissemination of evidence about the relationship between urban design and health.
Methodology
The guide’s framework was developed through:
- A review of scientific literature to identify links between street characteristics, such as presence of street trees, and health impacts, such as improved rates of respiratory diseases.
- A review of existing tools and guides focused on healthy urban planning to identify relevant criteria and parameters.
- Input from technicians to ensure applicability to the Barcelona provincial context.
Key Determinants of Health in Streets
The guide identifies seven key determinants of health related to streets: Connectivity, Mobility, Comfort and attractiveness, Maintenance and cleanliness, Community, Safety and Environmental exposures.
These determinants are further broken down into 33 sub-determinants, each with specific criteria and considerations for street design.
Practical Application
The guide offers practical guidance for integrating health considerations into different stages of the street design process, including:
- Context: understanding the existing typology and characteristics of the street.
- Process: engaging citizens and stakeholders in the design process.
- Design: incorporating the health determinants into the street design.
- Management: ensuring long-term health benefits through effective management and maintenance.
As a result, the “Carrers i Salut” guide is a valuable resource for creating healthier and more sustainable urban environments in local authorities across Barcelona province.
