Urban Health in Urban Planning—Exploring the Status: A Survey in Greek Local Authorities

Abstract

Health and urban planning have long diverted their courses since their initial common evolution as a remedy for infectious diseases that spread out in Western European cities during the late 19th century. Today, this link is still missing, as urban planning seems to overlook health as a strategic parameter. In designing sustainable cities, attention has been shifted towards the environmental effects of urban planning, leaving behind the direct and indirect effects on human health and jeopardizing citizens’ quality of life. Despite global efforts (WHO, Urban Agenda), urban health continues to be examined in relation to illness research and health care provision in urban environments, while policy-making in cities refrains from engaging in urban health interventions through urban planning. A survey conducted among Greek municipalities explores the status and discloses the absence of the parameter “health” from urban planning and the implementation of only fragmentary actions. The main results presented in this article record the status and mentality of local authorities, elected representatives, and higher executives regarding health through urban planning. To promote a change in the mindset of planners, local actors, and decision-makers, the article proposes a conceptual framework for implementation in local authorities and highlights its main attributes.