Webinar Series on European Perspectives on Justice Issues in Socio-Spatial Change – Part 3
The ARL, in collaboration with the Regional Studies Association (RSA), is organising a three-part webinar series as part of the RSA City and Regional Sustainability Transitions Webinars. The third part will take place on April 15th 2025, on the topic of Urban Planning for Health Equity.
Transitions, especially in the context of regional and urban development and sustainability involve significant changes that can affect communities in different ways. This three-part webinar series highlights the importance of equity in transitions as equity is essential to ensure that transitions are inclusive, equitable and beneficial for all members of society. The series will focus on three key areas: social housing, energy justice and health equity.
We would like to invite all interested parties to the third webinar in the series:
Webinar #3: Urban Planning for Health Equity
Tuesday, 15th April 13:00 CEST (12:00 BST)
Health inequality remains a persistent issue in cities, with disparities that are not only avoidable but also socially unequal, unjust, and inequitable. A clear example of this can be seen along the Jubilee Line in London, where the state of health is influenced by spatial divides. These inequalities highlight the vital role that spatial planning, especially urban planning, plays in shaping public health.
In this webinar, speakers from the ARL International Working Group Urban Planning for Health Equity will share their insights from both research and practical experience, focusing on the concept of health determinants, that are spatially linked, and how urban planning can address these issues. They will explore the need for procedural (environmental) justice, which underlines the empowerment of diverse communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes.
To make progress, it's crucial to sensitise local decision-makers—especially those in planning, administration, and politics—to the impact of spatial inequalities on health. One key approach to achieving this is through the use of visualisation tools, which can effectively communicate complex issues and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges at hand.
Speakers:
Heike Köckler
Heike Köckler is a professor at Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Health Campus in Germany. She is a member of the ARL - Academy for Territorial Development in the Leibniz Association and leads the ARL International Working Group "Urban Planning for Health Equity." Her research focuses on environmental justice, urban health, and community health, with a particular emphasis on transdisciplinary, transformative, and participatory research approaches.
Martin Knöll
Martin Knöll is an architect and professor of design and urban planning at the Department of Architecture at TU Darmstadt, Germany. Together with his team, he works on advancing the necessary transformation processes towards sustainable, inclusive, and liveable cities. He is the co-chair of the ARL International Working Group Urban Planning for Health Equity.
Claudia Costa
Claudia, PhD, is a professional working at the Municipality of Pombal, Portugal, where she contributes to an interdisciplinary team focused on enhancing the health, happiness, and well-being of the community. She plays an active role as a member of the team responsible for the municipal property cadastre (BUPI) and is also involved with the local team within the Portuguese Network of Healthy Municipalities. Additionally, Claudia is a member of the ARL International Working Group on Urban Planning for Health Equity.
