Families drive healthy cities
Publication, Healthiest Generations
One of the most important themes on the societal agenda is our health. What can we do to promote the health and vitality of current and future generations? With cities becoming more crowded and people getting older and older? A healthy living environment is an important factor. We wrap up our Market & Research series by exploring the crucial role families play in fostering healthy urban area development. For this, we take a look in Groningen’s De Meeuwen neighbourhood. What is the developer’s role and what role do families play in it? How do residents feel about the neighbourhood?
Health is about more than just one’s physical well-being. It includes your mental health, happiness in your surroundings, feeling safe, and having a sense of belonging in your community. According to the data, 76% of urban families are (very) positive about their living environment (WoON 2021). How can we boost this satisfaction even further?
Living environments that help people make healthy choices
“As an area and property developer, we are at the foundation of this residential happiness because we create the living environments. As a developer, we are often involved from the very beginning in establishing the fundamental principles and design concepts for a new neighbourhood. We not only have the capacity to contribute to healthier homes and living environments, but we also really want it, we see it as our responsibility,” says Miranda Venekamp-Brandt, Director of Marketing, Sales & Rental Operations at VanWonen. “We want to do the right thing for people and the planet, as far as our influence goes. With living environments that are healthy and help people make healthy choices. It is essential in this regard to keep families in the city: their presence strengthens the neighbourhood and fosters social cohesion. For example, children playing together is a great way for parents to meet each other. Studies have shown that homes and the (built) environment can positively influence our health. A comfortable home with a pleasant indoor climate contributes to our well-being. Similarly, a green, car-free or pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood where you can stroll, play and connect with your neighbours is beneficial.”
Meeting in green surroundings
Just a stone’s throw away from the historic city centre of Groningen, you will find the newly developed neighbourhood De Meeuwen. Here, we created a neighbourhood with plenty of green spaces and opportunities for meeting other people. That was a conscious choice. We also opted for a diverse range of house types with both rental and owner-occupied single-family homes. The green spaces we added enhance the city’s ecological structure. The green corridor of De Meeuwen is clearly visible on the city map.
source: Google Maps October 2024
In the middle of the neighbourhood we have incorporated an innovative bioswale (vegetated ditch for the collection, drainage and infiltration of stormwater). To create space for water and nature. As such, it also serves as an ideal playground for children. Hence, a beautiful balance between people, buildings and nature is achieved.
Children as catalysts for social interaction
In December 2021, the first homes were completed. In 2022, Joris and his family moved into their home in De Meeuwen. Joris Marcelis: “We found our dream home in De Meeuwen: centrally located with plenty of green space. Everything is right on our doorstep, allowing us to enjoy the perks of city living in a peaceful, green setting. After a day’s work, I walk into our garden, and it’s like being on the Veluwe. The centrally located green bioswale, with all the houses around it, and the connected gardens, naturally draws everyone outside. It’s remarkable how quickly this has become a close-knit community; that’s really thanks to the design of this plan. And the children playing outside were the perfect catalyst for meeting each other. This is something our children will remember for the rest of their lives: growing up surrounded by nature in the city, with their friends nearby.”
Families drive healthy cities
In conclusion, it is important to pay attention to our living environment and how it affects our health. This is particularly relevant in urban planning, where families can drive healthy living environments. This is how we contribute to the development of the healthiest generations.
