RULES AND TOOLS – safeguarding neighbouring green space for human health and well-being

In times of urbanization and densification, rules and tools are used to design residential areas that preserve and develop health-promoting outdoor environments. But how do rules safeguard the quality of the outdoor environment?

In this project, two rules are studied, the WHO´s 300 meters to the nearest green space and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency´s 25% tree canopy coverage in urban areas and a tool the green space factor. How the tools and rules are operationalized and applied in practice varies between municipalities.

This project will test, evaluate and critically discuss whether and how existing green space rules and tools can help municipalities design health-promoting residential areas.

Different methods will be applied: 1, Literature study as knowledge base. 2, Interviews with practitioners to understand how tools and rules are used in Swedish municipalities. 3, Co-creation workshops and scenario setup where the operationalization of the rules and the tool, and how they affect the design of residential areas, are tested. 4, Interviews with residents to understand aspects that promote health and well-being for different users.

In close cooperation with national authorities, municipalities the study will problematize, discuss and spread knowledge about how the tools and rules can be used and developed.

In doing so, it will also contribute to a debate about planning practice and how it can create living environments that promote human health and well-being.