Urban Development & Health

Industry PhD proposal for Innovation Fund

Partners

Greg Maya

City Science Coordinator, Norman Foster Institute (NFI) Freelance data consultant for various NGOs

My focus lies in data-driven analysis of urban environments, particularly through applied research in health and technology integration in urban planning design and policy. Trained as an architect with a Summa Cum Laude degree and a MSC in Space Syntax,I have transitioned from traditional design to consulting on modeling complex systems within the built environment.


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Kobenhavns Universite

Department of Public Health
Global Health Section

Focuses on interdisciplinary research and education in global health. Their work encompasses:

  • Research: The section conducts studies on a wide range of topics, including diabetes, double burden of disease and environmental health, amongst many others.
  • Education: They offer several educational programs, including: PhD programm on Public Health.

alt Website

Context

Urban environments play a crucial role in shaping health outcomes, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This research is aimes at positioning urban planning as a proactive health intervention, capable of reducing healthcare burdens and enhancing overall quality of life.

Despite strong evidence linking urban design and public health, current planning frameworks often neglect these considerations. There is an opportunity to bridge that gap by systematically translating health outcomes into actionable spatial decisions and integrating them within the current policy frameworks. It will explore methodologies for new design tools that orient urban and transport planners into health positive outcomes and quantifying the economic advantages of said approaches.

The study seeks to provide decision-support tools and strategic insights for city designers, authorities and other stakeholders. Aligning planning with public health objectives should contribute to creating more liveable, resilient, and equitable cities.

Problem Statement

  • Non Communicable Deseases (NCDs) are responsible for +70% of deaths (WHO, 2024).
  • European cities getting older, hence, more prone to suffering from an increase in NCDs.
  • Urban health issues are linked to poor spatial planning, pollution, and sedentary lifestyles.
  • Lack of actionable indicators that could lead to design decisions with better health outcomes.
  • Inadequate integration of health considerations in urban planning practices and transport sectors.
  • Lack of awareness on the long-term economic costs of designs that do not incorporate a minimum standard for health outcomes.
  • Failing to leverage the built environment as a preventative health opportunity.

Opportunity



Capture the growing demand for healthier, sustainable urban environments acknoledged by the general public and reflected by policy.

Solution Overview

Introducing a data-driven urban planning model to enhance urban health outcomes.
Uncovering the most direct links from Urban Determinants to Health Outcomes (NCDs).

Urban Determinants

The model should have the potential to benefit from ‘easy wins’ but also to develop complexity and robustness over time.

Research Objectives & Key Questions

Objective:

To explore the commercial viability of integrating health outcomes in urban planning.


Key Research Questions:

Can urban planning strategies mitigate the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through behavioural and environmental changes?

  • What are the urban determinants of Health that affect most positively and negatively NCDs in case study cities?
  • How can decision-support tools be designed to assist urban designers in aligning urban planning with public health objectives?
  • What are the quantifiable economic advantages of prioritizing health-centric urban design?
  • What role do spatial accessibility and inequality play in determining health outcomes?

Commercial Opportunity

“Shift health from a mere co-benefit to a cross-cutting lens in urban planning.”

  • Strategic alignment with sustainable, smart city, transport and place-making projects.
  • Potential to expand the portfolio into health impact consulting and data-driven urban planning.
  • City-wide models that could identify areas of particular interest for urban intervention on the basis of health inequalities.

Possible Revenue Streams

Urban analytics tools
Emphasis on implementability.

New Market
for funded programs from health providers.

Models for active travel assessments
Acknowledge health as additional outcomes.

Future implementations of Health impact assessments (HIA)
Spin-off from Environmental assessments (EIA).

Competitive Advantage & Differentiation


  • Leverage advanced data analytics and urban modeling for evidence-based planning with a purpose: Health.


  • Integration of cross-sectoral knowledge (public health, urban planning, sustainability).
  • First-mover advantage in health-centric urban consulting in current and potential new markets.


  • Collaboration with leading academic institutions and access to cutting-edge research.

Reference Case Study 1

Barcelona Superblock Model

Barcelona Superblock

Transformation of urban blocks to reduce car dependency, increase green spaces, and promote active transport.

Impact:

  • 667 preventable deaths annually from improved air quality, noise reduction, and increased physical activity.
  • Economic impact of €1.7 billion annually from health benefits.

Relevance:

Demonstrates the commercial and societal value of integrating health in urban design.

Reference Case Study 2

The Healthy Cities Generator

Healthy City Generator - snapshot

Website

Digital tool designed for urban planners, health professionals, and policymakers.

Assesses health impacts of urban plans and visualizes effects on 30 health indicators.

  • Physical, mental, and environmental health dimensions.
  • Room to create more robust metrics.

Developed in collaboration with EIT Urban Mobility and the University of Lisbon.

  • Recognized for practicality and innovation.
    • Won the Best Research Paper award at the Healthy City Design International Congress (2023).

Next Steps

  • Find internal unit to be the host of this research.
    • Potentials
      • Transport (Active Travel)
      • Environment and Health
      • Urban Planning
  • Tailor the proposal based on market knowledge


  • Present Proposal: (Aug 2025) Collaborate to develop a proposal which is commercially sound and forward-thinking into the future market needs and academic research

A big part of this is already on its way!