ABSTRACT
This chapter draws on literature from health geography and urban design and planning disciplines to examine the role of inclusion/exclusion in explaining the health-promoting attributes of urban public spaces. Child-friendly public-space design and community resilience through public spaces are presented as illustrative examples. Children's experience and use of neighborhood streets and public spaces has been at the fore in the chapter, but just as relevant would have been a focus on older and/or disabled people. The chapter explains the importance of formal and informal public spaces for community resiliency for bringing residents together in a post-disaster context. Sense of belonging implies feeling accepted; social inclusion is a necessary but not sufficient precursor to belonging. Sense of place entails an affective and meaningful connection to a particular setting. The chapter concludes with research approaches to exploring the pathways between public spaces and health.
