Awards categories
The suite of seven awards is structured to encourage submissions in categories that span the micro, meso and macro levels of city design and planning. These encompass design for homes and workplaces, neighborhoods, systems for transport and citizen mobility, city-wide developments and, finally, the contribution of the research community to advancing knowledge in this field.
Healthy homes
Lead judge: Rebecca Morley,
Healthy homes and communities consultant, USA/UK
Inspirational design for individual dwelling places, homes and residential developments for any generation which contribute significantly to the mental and physical health of the residents, improve health equity and adhere to sustainable development principles.
Submissions should demonstrate how the project/ scheme applies design principles for healthy living, including but not restricted to accessibility and adaptability, access to natural light, adequate livable space, connectivity to community amenities and transport, and climate resilience.
This category has been merged with the Healthy neighbourhoods category in 2024.
Healthy neighbourhoods
Lead judge: Sunand Prasad OBE, PPRIBA,
Chair, UK Green Building Council; Principal, Perkins&Will, UK
Inspirational design for large and small neighbourhoods and streetscapes, defined as distinct districts or communities within an urban setting, to promote the physical and/or mental health of residents and visitors, improve health equity, and adhere to sustainable development principles.
Submissions should demonstrate how the project/scheme applies fundamental design principles for healthy communities, such as creating compact, mixed use and walkable urban environments, connectivity to community amenities, active travel, integration of green space, and supporting biodiversity and climate resilience.
Healthy transport and mobility
Lead judge: Mario Bozzo,
independent planning and transport consultant, Canada
A transport and/or citizen mobility project which achieves a step-change in improving the physical and/or mental health and wellbeing of all city residents, visitors and workers, through ambitious commitment to principles of health equity and sustainable development and by demonstrating a holistic contribution to a healthy urban environment and community life.
Submissions should demonstrate innovation in how to redesign mobility networks and/or transport infrastructure to support more sustainable forms of travel, promote less sedentary lifestyles and reduce air pollution.
Healthy workplaces
Lead judge: Prof Jeremy Myerson,
The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, Royal College of Art; director, Worktech Academy, UK
An innovative workplace design project, business park or innovation district that advances the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the workforce and wider community by applying a range of design principles and strategies, such as fostering a positive sense of community and belonging; bringing light and nature into the workplace; implementing more flexible ways of working; encouraging active and sustainable travel and workstyles; and creating greater comfort (thermal, acoustic, psychological).
Healthy social infrastructure
Lead judge: Beatrice Fraenkel,
Design regeneration and health consultant, Trustee, Design Council, UK
An outstanding social infrastructure project that through an innovative design and planning strategy, contributes to a strong, resilient and healthy local community, improving health equity, enhancing social value and adhering to sustainable development principles. Submissions should demonstrate how the project adopts fundamental principles of healthy and climate resilient building design, and integrates with the wider urban context and community, thereby making a positive and active contribution to community life.
Submissions may range from larger anchor institutions in the healthcare, education, public parks, museums or sports/leisure sectors to smaller community, schools, play, youth, recreation, libraries, and faith based projects.
Healthy city planning and design
Lead judge: Max Farrell,
founder, LDN Collective, UK
Inspirational, evidence-based, strategic planning and design for large-scale urban environments, focused on game-changing elements which protect and promote citizens’ health and well-being, underpinned by a clear commitment to the principles of health equity and sustainable development.
Submissions should demonstrate the adoption of innovative and inclusive planning, design and investment strategies that provide equitable access to healthy housing, safe and active transport choices, good quality air, water and food, access to natural environments and essential services and amenities, including healthcare, education and employment across the life course.
Healthy placemaking for community impact
Lead judge: Mark Drane,
Director, Urban Habitats; research advisor, SALUS Global Knowledge Exchange, UK
A transformational micro or meso creative placemaking scheme that enhances the public realm, impacting positively on the health and quality of life of the community. Schemes may include but are not limited to: neighbourhood gardens and parks, playgrounds, courtyards, plazas, trails, mews, public arts installations, pop-up and other cultural activations.
Design research for healthy cities
Lead judge: Rachel Cooper,
Professor of Design Management and Policy, Lancaster University, UK
An original, complete and independently assessed research project which makes a significant contribution to the conceptualization, planning, design, development, or evaluation of the urban environment, as a key factor in improving human health, equity and wellbeing and promoting the principles of sustainable development. Research projects are welcomed from practitioner organisations and academic institutions, and may include but is not limited to design research studies, advanced design innovations, health impact studies, frameworks, tools, and guidelines.
