Work

Collaborating on creating healthy living environments: a scoping review of the organization of healthy placemaking

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Healthy placemaking (HPM) has recently emerged as a new subtype in the placemaking literature. While there is increasing attention for HPM, there is currently no clear understanding of how HPM is organized. This scoping review provides an overview of HPM in terms of the actors involved, the approaches to collaboration, the goals of HPM initiatives, and the factors influencing the organization of HPM. From the 52 included studies, most are from the Global North. This body of literature showed that many variations in the organization of HPM exist. A wide range of actors were identified, applying bottom-up, collaborative, and top-down approaches. A large variety of goals of HPM came forward in the studies and indicates a broad focus on health. Barriers and facilitators for the organization of HPM included integration of sectors, community engagement, building commitment and trust, governance structures, and impact assessment. In conclusion, the organization of HPM is not clearly defined and seems context dependent. There is large variety in terms of actors involved, approaches to collaboration, and goals of HPM. Therefore, adapting the organization of HPM to the local context seems key, considering the barriers and facilitators that have been shown to influence the process of collaboration among stakeholders in HPM.

Source: Health & Place

DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2026.103751

Authors: W.M.H. van der Heijden, J. van Exel, L. Oldenhof

Institution: Erasmus University Rotterdam

Language: English

Topic: Community Health and Development

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,380