Michelle J. Landers

In what now seems quite prescient, the Urban Land Institute board of directors in 2013 approved a focus on healthy communities as a cross-disciplinary theme for the organization. Since that time, a dedicated staff and team of member advisers have developed a list of best practices for healthy housing, communities, food and real estate, creative place–making and active transportation – all under the banner of “Building Healthy Places.” While not created with a pandemic in mind, there are lessons we can all learn from a focus on using our built environment to increase health and access to healthy activities. 

In 2017, a coalition that included the American Institute of Architects, the American Planning Association, and the American Public Health Association established core values around creating and fostering partnerships that advance health; building and understanding health data to establish measurable objectives; advancing policies, programs, and systems that promote health, well-being and equity; and communicating the importance of health. Created at the time for a ULI joint call to action to promote healthy communities, these values seem more relevant than ever today.  

The toolkit contains nearly two dozen recommendations for building healthy places. They fall under three main categories: Physical activity, healthy food/drinking water, a healthy environment and social well-being. While none of the recommendations could have prevented the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned that improving the baseline health of a community can help prevent illness and allow people to recover more quickly when they do get sick. 

Many of the recommendations have multiple benefits. For example, providing sidewalks and pedestrian-oriented streetscapes can be crucial for activating street–level retail. As people stay home for work and self-isolation, a walkable neighborhood is more important than ever. During this time of social distancing, a walk outside is a free and healthy way to keep active, but these spaces must be safe and well–lit.  

Activated Spaces Key 

In addition to making areas more attractive and appealing, street trees provide shade to help combat the effects of urban heat islands as spring turns to summer. Having infrastructure to support biking encourages active commuting and can be a free or low–cost alternative to driving.  

Welcoming, well-lit staircases can serve as an alternative to elevators and escalators for those with full mobility. Regular activity is healthy and may be more appealing than the small, enclosed spaces of an elevator. 

High-quality spaces for multi-generational play and recreation can supplement public parks and be designed for diverse uses such as skate parks, dog parks and picnic sites. Play spaces for children are important for families and can inspire more active play. 

Accommodating a grocery store or farmer’s market seems like a particularly smart strategy today. Access to fresh fruit and vegetables – along with toilet paper! – is a valuable amenity for urban residents and workers. 

We are perhaps more aware than ever that many people have underlying health conditions. Using materials and products that support healthy indoor air quality along with proper ventilation and airflow is beneficial for all residents and employees, but significantly improves the quality of life for those with health issues. 

The final recommendation will be more important than ever once we resume regular contact. To facilitate social engagement by creating community gathering spaces and opening them to the public. Aside from the devastating financial consequences of self-quarantine, the disappearance of in-person, face to face interaction can create isolation. At some point, our attention will return to building communities and, when we do, a health-forward approach will be more important than ever. 

Michelle J. Landers is the executive director of ULI Boston/New England.