Health and Green Infrastructures for the Livable City

Abstract

The livable city research program at the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI)for the intermediate city of Seremban in Malaysia was initiated to evaluate the extent to whichthe city has responded to rapid development in the past twenty years. An important componentof the research program is to assess the provision and impacts of health infrastructures. Thispaper presents some findings on place use and the behaviour of people in major green areas,as well as at more localized neighborhood areas in an increasingly fast paced urban life. Thesefindings are then related to potential impacts of these green areas on generating a healthier wayof living in an increasingly busy city. Among the findings include local methods of adaptinggreen areas for general use, recreation and exercise that fit local culture and needs, as well as thetemporal aspect of these uses given changing lifestyles. The study also linked the green areasto environmental health indicators including ambient temperature and pollutants. Serembanbegan as a colonial city with several green areas that provided the identity for the city, but thecity is changing and many questioned the current functionality of these area.