Urban Planning Archives

Key Takeaways: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Addressing NCD Risk Factors across WHO Southeast Asian Cities

Article, EventsMarch 23, 2026310Views 0Likes 0Comments

Regional Webinar Key Takeaways | Hosted by WHO SEARO & UGHW Chulalongkorn University Overview: A Regional Call to Action Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading cause of mortality in the South-East Asia Region, accounting for nearly 70% of all deaths. Addressing the behavioral and environmental risk factors, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets,…

Walking trail and landscaped green corridor at Sponge park Chennai India in Porur.

Chennai’s First Wetland Sponge Park

ArticleMarch 2, 2026486Views 0Likes 2Comments

In March 2025, Chennai inaugurated its first wetland sponge park: the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Wetland Eco Park in Porur. The sponge park Chennai India initiative marks a turning point in urban water resilience. What was once a degraded marsh, later used as a dumping ground and asphalt parking lot, has been transformed into a 16.6-acre…

Benjakitti Park in Bangkok designed as urban flood infrastructure with wetlands, retention basins and elevated boardwalks

Bangkok Turned a Former Tobacco Factory into Urban Flood Infrastructure

ArticleFebruary 23, 2026386Views 0Likes 4Comments

Bangkok urban water infrastructure is evolving beyond concrete drainage systems. At Benjakitti Park, a former tobacco factory has been transformed into one of the city’s most significant nature-based water management landscapes. Designed under the concept of “Water + Forest,” the 259-rai forest zone (within the larger 450-rai Benjakitti development) was never intended to be just…

A South Asian mixed-use city street showing diverse people—including an older adult, a wheelchair user, a child, and other pedestrians—using walkable streets, accessible crossings, and public transport in an inclusive urban environment.

Inclusive and Universal Design for Healthy Cities

ArticleJanuary 19, 2026731Views 0Likes 9Comments

Inclusive and universal design are essential approaches for creating healthy cities that celebrate human diversity, ability, age, and lived experience. Our societies are composed of diverse persons, each unique with distinct identities and perspectives. As we design our cities, it is therefore essential to ask: Who are we designing for? Urban design must begin with the…

Women sitting in urban public space, representing safer cities and gender-responsive urban governance.

She RISES Framework: Creating Safer, Gender-responsive Cities

ArticleDecember 22, 2025662Views 0Likes 8Comments

In 2016, WHO Member States endorsed the Global plan of action to strengthen the role of the health system within a national multisectoral response to address interpersonal violence, in particular against women and girls, and against children. As UGHW renews our commitment during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we review what women’s…

City officials analyzing urban health data for policymaking

How Data Can Improve Your City’s Health

ArticleNovember 24, 2025858Views 0Likes 5Comments

For governments looking to formulate and implement good policy, data is paramount. Data helps us to identify what the issues are, why they exist (or what is causing them) and who are being affected. Without evidence, we are often unable to accurately define an issue. When we formulate solutions, data further supports in showing where…

Runner moving through a sunlit urban underpass, representing finding clear pathways and entry points in complex city systems.

Finding Your City’s Entry Point for Urban Health Action

ArticleNovember 17, 2025941Views 0Likes 4Comments

Urban health can feel overwhelming—but you don't need a complete strategy to start. You need the right entry point. This guide helps city practitioners identify opportunities already present in your city and turn them into real health impact What is an Entry Point? According to Taking a strategic approach to urban health: a guide for…

design city for youth mental health and well-being

How to Design Cities for Youth Mental Health and Well-being

ArticleOctober 22, 20252KViews 0Likes 0Comments

The Urban Challenge: Why Cities Matter for Youth Mental Health Urbanization stands as the most significant demographic shift of our times. Cities across South and South-East Asia provide access to education, health care, and economic opportunity — yet they also pose risks to mental well-being, especially among young people. Globally, an estimated 75% of mental…

Streets for People—Are We Getting it Right?

ArticleSeptember 16, 20251KViews 0Likes 0Comments

The Big Idea: When Climate Solutions Meet Urban Reality Imagine this, busy streets are transformed into quiet walkways with trees, and children can play and neighbors socialize. It is fresh and clean in the air. Cafes are built outside and cars no longer park in the same area, bikers pass by small community gardens, and…

Art in Motion: Laan Me Sook as a Playground for All

ArticleAugust 15, 20251KViews 0Likes 0Comments

In Khung Samphao, a riverside community in Chai Nat Province, Thailand, the “Courtyard of Happiness” is transforming everyday public areas into vibrant hubs of sport, art, and community life. Part of the Healthy Space Next Door initiative, Laan Me Sook offers safe, colorful, and accessible areas for all ages to move, play, and connect—just minutes…

Key Takeaways: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Addressing NCD Risk Factors across WHO Southeast Asian Cities

Chennai’s First Wetland Sponge Park

Bangkok Turned a Former Tobacco Factory into Urban Flood Infrastructure

Inclusive and Universal Design for Healthy Cities

She RISES Framework: Creating Safer, Gender-responsive Cities

How Data Can Improve Your City’s Health

Finding Your City’s Entry Point for Urban Health Action

How to Design Cities for Youth Mental Health and Well-being

Streets for People—Are We Getting it Right?

Art in Motion: Laan Me Sook as a Playground for All

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