MBI introduces CityHealth®

Climate-Adaptative Design of Outdoor Living Environments with CityHealth®

Where people gather daily to live, work, shop, and recreate, it is a challenge to combine all those functions while also providing space for greenery and water. Whether it concerns the development of city centers, office locations, or green areas, the combination of buildings, paving, and nature together determines the appearance and atmosphere, and even more so, a pleasant livability.

In 2021, MBI came into contact with Bert Huls and his partner Ton Niessen. Convinced of the added value and inspired by this initiative, MBI provided input and helped bring market parties together to launch this initiative. However, the timing was not yet right. Both parties decided to further develop the idea and invest at their own risk in the development of the first handbook. This will be proudly launched for a wider audience in mid-January 2024.

Want to stay up to date on the latest developments? Register at www.cityhealth.nu.

The Connecting Factor

When thinking about a "smart city," people often focus on integrating technologies and data. However, when considering social cohesion, health, and safety, the role of paving might not immediately come to mind. Paving connects; it links buildings, squares, parks, and green zones together. Therefore, development continues, and efforts are being made to make stones and tiles “intelligent”: paving with added value.

CityHealth®

Innovations such as water-permeable paving and grass tiles are now widely accepted. The development of products that address heat stress, waterlogging, and increased biodiversity, however, is ongoing. The function of paving will be unique in the future. Nature and experience will play, alongside functionality, an important role. We are noticing that the market is now ready to think along with us about experimental stones or to define a broader set of requirements for paving.

Within CityHealth®, there are seven climate themes fully elaborated per sub-theme. Each sub-theme is linked to various design principles. The table for each design principle shows how the proposed solution can work out on the various themes important for urban livability. Some of these themes can have a direct impact on our health, while others are crucial for the climate resilience of the urban environment or offer additional opportunities to contribute to improving urban ecology. In some cases, design principles can also contribute to the city's energy goals in various forms.

Advice in the Preparatory Phase

The preparatory phase is the most important moment of the entire project. This is where you determine the atmosphere, appearance, and functionality. The role of paving is critical here. We see that the set of requirements for paving is expanding. Therefore, we at MBI are happy to be involved in the development of the outdoor space at an early stage.

Register Yourself

Register at www.cityhealth.nu to stay updated on the latest developments.