Following the natural path to boosting city dwellers’ health and well-being
Cities should be human-centred. Inspired by this belief, in 2020 the EU-funded VARCITIES project set out to establish sustainable models for enhancing the health and well-being of citizens exposed to diverse climatic conditions and challenges. Two recent studies shed light on this path.
Two green spaces under the spotlight
In December 2024, researchers from VARCITIES project coordinator Technical University of Crete, Greece, conducted a study to gain a better understanding of the link between human health and well-being and different features of urban green spaces. Focusing on two green spaces in the pilot city of Chania, the researchers looked at how characteristics such as greenness, accessibility, usage, air quality and temperature regulation affect health and well-being. The team compared two green spaces: the Municipal Garden of Chania and Saint Apostoles Park. Results showed that the former, despite its lower total carbon storage, had denser vegetation resulting in efficient carbon sequestration, while the latter was more effective in air pollutant reduction. Both spaces offered similar attractiveness, safety and acoustic comfort. The study includes planning recommendations such as optimising tree cover, selecting species for seasonal vegetation stability, enhancing carbon storage, improving amenities and introducing cooling interventions in high-heat areas. The results highlight the importance of strategic urban planning to enhance health and well-being.
Shedding light on quality of life
A second study published in January 2025 examines the factors influencing quality of life in Chania. About 320 residents aged 18 to 72 completed a questionnaire that assessed the impact of green spaces, noise pollution and demographic variables on seven key domains: human performance and well-being; physical health; mental health; social relations; residential environment; neighbourhood environment; and infrastructure/services in the living environment. The results yielded significant variations in quality of life across demographic groups in all seven domains. This highlights the need to integrate quality-of-life assessments into urban planning policies to improve environmental quality, public health and social equity. On 20 January, VARCITIES pilot city Chania held its fifth and final workshop to showcase the complete implementation of two visionary solutions developed in the city and gather feedback from stakeholders. The first solution is mobile urban living rooms (MULaRs), portable, multifunctional and convertible constructions set up in different parts of the city. Intended to redefine citizens’ relationship with public spaces and nature, MULaRs act as a meeting point, encouraging citizens to engage in various social and cultural activities. The second solution showcased was sensors on bikes and bike stations. Sensor kits have been installed on public and private bicycles and public bike stations have been equipped to measure pollutants, including noise and humidity. The data is combined and enriched with data from weather stations, statistical services and observatories, and is geolocated to trace potential pollution hotspots. Indications and warnings on environmental conditions are then made available to Chania citizens. Other VARCITIES technologies such as its Health and Well-Being Platform and the GoNature Game were also featured at the workshop, which was enriched with a dedicated session offering insights into the project’s social and economic benefits. A VARCITIES (VISIONARY NATURE BASED ACTIONS FOR HEALTH, WELLBEING & RESILIENCE IN CITIES (VARCITIES)) news item concludes: “Our Pilot in Chania has demonstrated the immense potential of nature-based and digitally-enabled solutions to enhance urban quality of life.” For more information, please see: VARCITIES project website
Keywords
VARCITIES, Chania, health, well-being, quality of life, urban, green space
