The ninth issue of the One Health Journal, a quarterly publication, features an article by Stefano Boeri entitled ‘Fair Cities: Vital Spaces for the Right to Health‘.
Entitled Urban, this issue is published in both Italian and English and focuses on the concept of the ‘city of health’, considering natural and artificial devices that could improve the liveability of our cities.
In this context, Stefano Boeri’s contribution focuses on integrating Nature-Based Solutions, particularly the use of trees and plants, to improve the urban environment in terms of citizens’ health.
Starting with the example of the Vertical Forest in Milan (Boeri Studio), which is also featured on the cover of this issue, the article discusses the benefits of greenery for human health and the urban context. Finally, it explores the potential for integrating trees and plants into buildings dedicated to rehabilitation and care, thereby amplifying their positive effects. Examples include the New Polyclinic Hospital in Milan and the Shenzhen Rehabilitation Centre.
“In general, the beneficial effects of greenery on quality of life are undeniable, including on collective psychology and health. Several scientific studies now show that, in addition to having antidepressant effects, the presence of plants and high biodiversity can improve the immune system’s response. “Vegetation is also necessary to provide shade, counteract the heat island effect, clean the air by filtering pollutants, increase biodiversity, and create a beneficial microclimate overall, thus reducing the need for energy-related cooling,” says Stefano Boeri.