Planning for health in higher density living: learning from the experience of Green Square, New South Wales

Abstract

Urban densification proceeds apace. However, and notwithstanding a renewed awareness of the intrinsic link between urban form and human health, we are only beginning to query the impact of higher density living on health-supportive behaviours. Using Green Square, Sydney as a case study, this paper reports recent research that addresses this gap. Findings include a consistency – though largely unrecognized – with the healthy built environments research literature; a lack of a consistent ‘healthy environments’ language, including any definition of ‘healthy density’; a lack of attention to high-rise high density; and a need for an active engagement with complexity, as well as substantial and ongoing institutional support.