Toolbox

The planning and design process should also consider integrating options that allow the neighbourhood to adapt to climate hazards and reduce disaster risk. Below you find some examples of  climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction design options that can be implemented at the neighbourhood scale: 

• Design to manage high temperatures and drought: cool pavement materials, tree planting for shading and evapotranspiration, orientation of buildings to reduce solar gain, rainwater harvesting, integration of wind corridors, etc.
• Design to manage flood risk: use of permeable surface materials, green spaces and green roofs to reduce runoff, widening of drains, etc.
• Design to manage erosion and landslide risk: surface erosion control structures, vegetation cover for soil retention, reinforcing of slopes.
• Design considering the zoning and land use regulations to limit neighbourhood development in high-risk areas and promote the creation of safe zones for critical infrastructure and housing.  

In order to identify disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation options that can be implemented in your neighbourhood, a good option is to conduct a benchmark with other neighbourhoods or cities that are facing similar challenges. 

Additional Resources:

• A Practical Guide to Climate-resilient Buildings & Communities 
• Build Green: Charter for Sustainable Building, Neighbourhood Design and Urban Mobility in Tropical Countries 
• Energy and Resource Efficient Urban Neighbourhood Design Principles for Tropical Countries. Practitioner’s Guidebook 
• Climate change adaptation by design 
• My Neighbourhood design guidelines for Mountainous cities
• Municipal Climate Action Strategy of San Nicolás de los Garza

When planning and designing urban spaces, several key urban health considerations should be taken into account with the aim to reduce health disparities, enhance quality of life, and create environments that support physical and mental health, and wellbeing. Some examples of healthy urban designs in a neighbourhood scale are the following: 

• Design of parks and green areas to promote physical activity, reduce stress, and improve air quality. 
• Reduce exposure to air and noise pollution with designs, such as green buffers and clean transport options. 
• Ensure easy access to healthcare facilities and integrate health services into neighbourhoods. 
• Ensure housing quality, through affordable and efficient materials and construction techniques, to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities. 
• Design walkable streets, bike lanes, and accessible public transport systems to encourage physical activity and reduce the use of cars. 
• Ensure access to clean water and effective sanitation to prevent waterborne diseases. 
• Design spaces that reduce stress and support mental health, including recreational spaces and areas for social interaction.

Incorporating these factors into urban planning helps create healthier, more inclusive and accessible neighbourhoods. 

Additional Resources: 
Integrating health in urban and territorial planning: A sourcebook for urban leaders, health and planning professionals 
Global framework for the response to malaria in urban areas 

In urban planning, particularly at the neighbourhood level, it is crucial to integrate nature into the design and development process. The planning should prioritize the inclusion of green infrastructure, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, according to different types of areas. designing new urban spaces should integrate green corridors, parks, and sustainable water management solutions, which enhance both environmental quality and residents’ well-being. In densification areas, planners should focus on increasing green spaces and vertical gardens, making sure that the increased density does not come at the cost of nature. Regeneration areas should aim to restore ecological features while rehabilitating urban infrastructure, ensuring that environmental restoration is a core part of slum upgrading and infrastructure regeneration efforts.

Areas in the neighbourhood that should be conserved should focus on protecting and enhancing existing natural assets, maintaining and increasing urban green spaces, and ensuring that these zones contribute to the overall ecological balance of the city. Across the neighbourhood, urban planning should embed nature into the design of public spaces, streets, and utilities, creating environments that support biodiversity, reduce heat islands, and improve air and water quality. Nature-based solutions should be part of the regulatory framework, ensuring that private development aligns with these sustainability goals by including green building standards and maintaining ecological integrity. Planning with nature not only improves environmental resilience but also contributes to creating healthier, more liveable urban spaces for residents.

Additional Resources:
Making Natures City Toolkit