Healthy City, Happier Places

There are various ways in which the built environment can be planned and designed to minimise pollutants in every breath that we take. One of which is adopting a decentralised urban planning model. Rather than concentrating on singular functions in specific areas, the model looks to distribute basic liveability programmes within proximity for neighbourhoods. This is otherwise known as the 15-minute city paradigm*. Conceptualised and popularised by urbanist Dr. Carlos Moreno, his approach aims to provide active commuting options for people as a way of reducing carbon emissions from vehicular modes such as cars. As such, improving urban mobility around places can be regarded as a key contributor to the air quality experienced in cities.

In Singapore, where City in Nature prevails, greeneries are strategically integrated into streetscapes and mobility network to provide more than just the exchange of fresh air and filter pollutants – they increase liveability through carved-out habitable and pleasant outdoor spaces. These green lungs, whether as reserves, trails, stretches, pockets, or on rooftops, are designed to alleviate heat from the year-round tropical sun. When thoughtfully and intentionally planned, the greenery in cities can do more than nurture rich ecological corridors; they can guide urban happiness.

The Well-being for All framework leverages the ‘15-minute City’* urban theory and Singapore’s ‘City-in-Nature'* vision to encourage ecologically sensitive planning approaches. Eg. Establishing regional Green connections to major Nature areas. Singapore integrates city life in nature areas through the introduction of active green nodes for people as well as Eco-links* connecting reserves above highways. These ecological solutions provide more than functional advantages of better air quality; they assist existing wildlife in habitat expansion. As a result, cultivating richer, resilient and interconnected biodiversity networks across the city.  

Our research believes that as cities become denser, nature-based solutions like active corridors for people and Eco-links are essential to holistically cope with urban stressors and support healthier, happier lives. Thus, encouraging interactions with nature across built typologies is embedded the objectives of the “Green” principle. Another example is our project for a new coastal town in South-East Asia.

Together with an extended Team of collaborators, we were commissioned to develop a set of urban design guidelines for the new high-density town in South-East Asia. Our decentralised approach prioritises nurturing greenery at different scales in mitigating urban density. The shift in planning optics enables future inhabitants to benefit from cleaner air for respiratory health, fresher and comfortable outdoor environments to promote an active lifestyle. Thus, the resulting set of development strategies allows the new town to innovate and intersperse habitable spaces. Whether vertically as semi-private and private rooftop spaces, or horizontally as central outdoor nodes for conviviality, every tier and layer is framed by meaningful and purposeful greenery.  

A city’s health is linked to the relationship shared between nature and the people who live within. When planning embraces thoughtful restoration structures, urban design can bolster and enhance the symbiotic relationship between People and the Planet. As a result, shaping healthy, happier Places, improving our quality of life.