Integrating Urban Design, Healthy Habits, and Socio-Ecological Networks: A One Health and Well-Being Framework for Sustainable Cities

Massimo Sargolini, Ana Sopina (), Valentina Polci, David Mariani, Chiara Paolini and Maurizio Mariani
Additional contact information
Massimo Sargolini: School of Architecture and Design, University of Camerino, Viale Della Rimembranza n. 9, 63100 Ascoli Piceno, Italy
Ana Sopina: Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ulica Fra Andrije Kacica Miosica 26, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Valentina Polci: School of Architecture and Design, University of Camerino, Viale Della Rimembranza n. 9, 63100 Ascoli Piceno, Italy
David Mariani: Healthy Habits (ONLUS), Via Tagliamento snc, 51018 Pieve a Nievole, Italy
Chiara Paolini: School of Architecture and Design, University of Camerino, Viale Della Rimembranza n. 9, 63100 Ascoli Piceno, Italy
Maurizio Mariani: Association Risteco—La Ville qui Mange, 1254 Route de Maunand, 73470 Marcieux, France

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-30

Abstract: This article examines the role of urban design in integrating biodiversity preservation with the enhancement of environmental and human health and quality of life in urban and peri-urban areas. Building on three complementary perspectives—urban design, the Healthy Habits framework, and socio-ecological networks—the review seeks to bridge short- to medium-term actions for improving the quality of life with long-term strategies for biodiversity preservation. While partial connections between these domains exist, they remain fragmented, underscoring the need for a holistic and transdisciplinary approach to urban socio-ecological health. The study employs a two-stage methodology, combining a scoping review to map existing evidence with a qualitative thematic review across SCOPUS-indexed research, European and international policy frameworks, and practical applications. The One Health paradigm is used as the principal integrative tool to link urban design, the Healthy Habits framework, and the socio-ecological networks. The topics of European environmental policies, evolutionary pillars, and social cohesion are incorporated to strengthen the interrelations between environmental and societal health and well-being. The findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach, behavioural insights, urban nudges, and participation, which can become key elements in fostering social cohesion, ecological resilience, and overall health. The research concludes that health-oriented urban design must go beyond traditional planning paradigms and tools, adopting adaptive, relational, and transdisciplinary approaches to address the challenges posed by contemporary times.

Keywords: urban and territorial planning; biodiversity and ecosystem services; public health; participatory governance; social cohesion; resilient urban systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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