The dynamic interactions between governance, environmental quality, urban form and health are an area of evolving research, though science is increasingly demonstrating the health and wellbeing benefits offered by green and natural spaces. The interlinkages of these aspects with resilience are a further element to be considered. The added benefits offered by green and natural space for promoting urban resilience are well-known, for example by reducing flood risk, reducing the urban heat island effect, contributing to improved air quality. Is there a sweet spot for achieving a resilient, inclusive and healthy city?

Using the case of Udon Thani as an example, and Thailand more broadly, we will reflect on how city dwellers interact with urban form and the consequences for their health and wellbeing. We will consider ways of engaging urban populations in understanding how urban spaces are used and strategies for building resilience. We will draw on research projects which have engaged local populations to understand how urban residents use and perceive different spaces, as well as participatory resilience planning workshops which use game-like toolkits, to examine the interlinkages between urban form, resilience, and health and wellbeing. We will consider the role of various urban stakeholders, from the municipality to local residents, in achieving SDG 11’s vision of safe, resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities. This session will be interactive and feature some of the tools used to promote healthy and resilient cities.

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