Juul Frost Architects: Urban design for healthier communities
As urban populations grow, the design of our cities plays a critical role in addressing challenges like loneliness and social segregation. In the role of project lead for ‘The Urban Health Culture of The Future’, Juul Frost Architects has developed a catalogue of ideas and references alongside a tool pointing out a vision for the future development of the city. The project has since become a cornerstone of the studio's approach to challenges to urban well-being.
From health data to practical urban design tools
The project, that was supported by Realdania, builds on the belief that urban design influences people’s health and well-being through the choices people make every day. In collaboration with a think tank of researchers and specialists, Juul Frost Architects translated complex health data into practical tools for creating active, inclusive, and safe urban environments.
The Urban Health Culture of the Future is based on Juul Frost Architects’ previous work, including ‘Better Affordable Housing’, which explores how architecture can promote social interaction and informal neighbourhoods and meeting places. It also builds on the firm's experience with campus design, including Campus Örebro in Sweden, where hybrid programming helps strengthen the connection between campus life and the city.
The project also addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Health and Well-being and Sustainable Cities and Communities, and the publication presents case studies, recommendations, and collaborative tools for advancing healthier urban development. Drawing on international examples, from the 20-minute city concept to community gardening initiatives in Vapnagaard, the project focuses on turning knowledge into action. It provides methods for assessing how specific environments support physical and mental health, while pointing to new ways of collaborating across disciplines.
The Urban Health Culture of the Future aims to inspire the built environment sector and has become an integral part of Juul Frost Architects’ ongoing work. Its principles are reflected in later projects such as Enghave Brygge South Metro Square, a green public space that connects Copenhagen’s developing districts of Havneholmen and Teglholmen while maintaining a close relationship to the waterfront.
Our ambition is for architecture and urban development to promote people's quality of life, health and well-being.
About the Company
Juul Frost Architects is an award-winning multidisciplinary architecture studio with a holistic and human-centred approach to the built environment. With competencies in strategic urban development, housing, research and innovation, the studio researches and develops projects that support quality of life, health and well-being. For more than 25 years, Juul Frost Architects has worked internationally to transform and develop urban environments, spaces and homes.