The environment that we construct affects both humans and our natural world in myriad ways. There is a pressing need to create healthy places and to reduce the health threats inherent in places already built. However, there has been little awareness of the adverse effects of what we have constructed-or the positive benefits of well designed built environments.
This book provides a far-reaching follow-up to the pathbreaking Urban Sprawl and Public Health, published in 2004. That book sparked a range of inquiries into the connections between constructed environments, particularly cities and suburbs, and the health of residents, especially humans. Since then, numerous studies have extended and refined the book's research and reporting. Making Healthy Places offers a fresh and comprehensive look at this vital subject today.
There is no other book with the depth, breadth, vision, and accessibility that this book offers. In addition to being of particular interest to undergraduate and graduate students in public health and urban planning, it will be essential reading for public health officials, planners, architects, landscape architects, environmentalists, and all those who care about the design of their communities.
Like a well-trained doctor, Making Healthy Places presents a diagnosis of--and offers treatment for--problems related to the built environment. Drawing on the latest scientific evidence, with contributions from experts in a range of fields, it imparts a wealth of practical information, with an emphasis on demonstrated and promising solutions to commonly occurring problems.
"It is just about the most authoritative and thorough examination of how our urban design (and house design) affects our health and wellbeing, and should be on the desk of every urban designer and planner as an important reference… I cannot imagine writing about urban issues involving food, health, safety or transportation without picking this up for a quote or a reference; it is going to be an essential tool." "This comprehensive, beautifully edited volume explains why and how our physical environment profoundly affects each of us, our family, our community, and our nation. A treasure of excellent chapters by well-respected experts, it is replete with practical wisdom on how to diagnose and ameliorate the wide range of environmental problems, with inspiring examples of success. Reading it is the equivalent of a top tier graduate level course in practical environmental health."---Jonathan Fielding, M.D., M.P.H., Professor of Health Services and Pediatrics, UCLA and Director of Public Health "The authors have crafted an exemplary look at the various components of community design that promote and support health. Through their perspective we see clearly how much community design matters to our health and well-being; and it matters a lot."---Georges C. Benjamin, M.D., Executive Director, American Public Health Association "The editors of this powerful volume put design squarely in the public health armamentarium. Both a guide and call to action, its well-researched chapters provide a foundation for profound change in design practice and education. The truly beautiful stairway is one that beckons us to use it-the same applies to sidewalks, parks, bike lanes, playgrounds, and public transportation."---Daniel S. Friedman, PhD, FAIA, Dean, College of Built Environments, University of Washington "Here's a book that mayors, health officials, developers, architects, planners and environmentalists will want to read and keep handy. Dannenberg, Frumkin, and Jackson call for big gains in public health, environmental and economic performance and provide the necessary advice to achieve such a transformation."---John Norquist, President of the Congress for the New Urbanism and former Mayor of Milwaukee, WI "Dannenberg ... et al. ...outline the major health issues that relate to the built environment, including physical activity, food, air and water
