Towards Healthy Cities: Urban Interventions for the Development of Healthy Corridors

Approaching the notions of city, urban space and society in the current context requires an in-depth analysis of socio-spatial dynamics and the organisation of urban communities. Urban interventions as part of regeneration projects offer cities the opportunity to focus on deprived neighbourhoods, adopting alternative urbanisation approaches. It is essential for citizens to play an active role in shaping their urban environment and to be involved in planning policies.
Numerous studies underline the significant impact of the living environment on quality of life, encompassing psychological, physical and social well-being, particularly with regard to interpersonal relationships. These findings highlight the importance of feeling good about the space in which we live, whether at street, neighbourhood or city level.
Participatory and social solutions, rooted in human nature, not only support the processes of co-creation, co-development, co-execution and co-evaluation of technological and territorial urban solutions, but also play a fundamental role in several dimensions. They encourage communities to mobilise their resources for their own development, promote the construction of collective motivations and imaginaries, and unite individuals and social groups around common objectives. In addition, they integrate individual and social dimensions to nurture a sense of identity and cohesion, and address the complexity and symbolic dimensions of sustainable urban development, stimulating public debate on collective issues and catalysing more sustainable alternative trajectories. Finally, they foster civic urbanity, reinforce civic pride and build collective memories, serving as a foundation for reconciling conflicting tensions and interests within cities.