OPINION IN ALTINGET: HOMES AND CITIES SHOULD DO MORE THAN HOUSE US – THEY SHOULD MAKE US HEALTHIER
We need to integrate health from the very beginning of urban development. We must dare to dream big and set bold ambitions – for our cities, and for ourselves, writes Helle Juul.
Invite health to the planning table
In the wake of this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, I came across a video that caught my attention. In short, it claimed that poor housing is making us sick.
The video outlines how inadequate housing affects health, well-being, and learning – and ends with a question: “How do you think the housing crisis could be addressed?”
A great question – but also a big one.
Bring health into urban planning from the start
When it comes to health, the short answer is this: we need to integrate health from the very beginning of urban development. We must dare to dream big – for our cities and for ourselves.
Housing and urban environments should do more than provide shelter. They should be the framework for a good life, enabling activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
We already know that children's learning outcomes and population health are directly linked to the homes and neighborhoods people grow up in. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
We simply need to invite health to the planning table – and make sure it’s a permanent seat, with a clear mandate. Health must be built in from the start, not added on later, if we want real, lasting impact.
Fortunately, more and more Danish municipalities are recognizing this. Several have integrated health into their architectural policies – and those considering it are welcome to read on.
The housing crisis is also a health crisis
Globally, 1.6 billion people live in homes that harm their health – a number projected to rise to 3 billion by 2030. The scale is staggering.
In Denmark, the challenge looks different, but the consequences are the same: our homes and public spaces directly impact our physical and mental health – and the effects are unevenly distributed.
Each year, 3,400 Danes die prematurely due to air pollution. A significant part of that pollution comes from motor traffic in urban areas.
Since 2019, we’ve been working with Realdania and a panel of experts on the project The Future Urban Health Culture. One of the experts, Dr. Morten Grønbæk, director of the Centre for Healthy Living and Well-being, points out that vulnerable citizens are often the ones living in areas with the highest levels of pollution. Because housing follows economic means, inequality in health is deeply social.
And let’s not forget: we spend up to 90 percent of our time indoors.
Invest in public health
But it’s not just our homes that impact our health – it’s also the design of our cities. Air quality, natural light, noise levels, and opportunities for everyday movement all shape our well-being.
Compact, walkable cities make it easier to choose biking or walking over driving, reducing air pollution and lifestyle-related diseases.
When public spaces are developed in collaboration with local communities, they can strengthen social bonds and reduce loneliness and stress. And when public and private actors work together, we can create healthier, greener, quieter cities through shared investment.
If we want to improve public health, we must integrate it into urban planning from the outset – not as an afterthought.
As we build and renovate our way out of the housing shortage, we must remember: every square meter should be an investment in public health – not a future cost for the healthcare system.
Three paths to healthier cities
1. The 20-minute city: Build for movement
Living within 20 minutes of daily needs – schools, work, shops – makes walking and biking easier. Cities around the world are using the concept successfully. The results: more active transportation, fewer lifestyle diseases, and stronger communities. Barcelona’s Superblocks are worth a Google.
2. Citizen engagement: Plan with people, not just for them
When residents are involved in shaping their neighborhoods, it creates stronger ownership and better well-being. Community-driven initiatives can also support mental health – a crucial area for future urban development.
3. Public-private partnerships: Make health a shared investment
Private actors can drive innovation and funding, while public institutions ensure health is prioritized. This could mean anything from green spaces to energy-efficient buildings with healthy indoor climates. Municipalities like Randers, Hillerød, and Aalborg now require health considerations in architectural planning – and more are joining in.
But most importantly: we can no longer afford to treat health as a side benefit of urban development. It must be a foundation.
Every decision about how we build and renovate shapes not just our cities – but our health and quality of life.
If we take health seriously from the start, we can create cities that don’t just solve the housing crisis – but invest in a healthier future for everyone.
The question is no longer can we – but will we?
This opinion piece is available for free on Altinget By & Bolig and Altinget Sundhed.