The Development of a Healthy City, Article Review Example

Planning a city with the goal to optimize health is beneficial for all parties involved, but it can present many challenges. The quote that best summarizes the main argument of the article is “moving toward the healthy city is a continual struggle for social, political economic, and institutional change; it is not a static endpoint.  The histories of American urban planning and public health suggest that change will likely be incremental and difficult, since each field has entrenched practices that do not currently promote or place a high priority on health equity in cities.  Yet change is occurring.”  Coburn describes this developmental process and notes that poor communication can hinder progress; be it administrative, political, or between public health officials and urban planners.  To best develop a healthy city, each department must respect one another.  This process is ongoing and will be constantly developing with the growth of the city.

To better describe both the need for cooperation and the flux of progress, Coburn states that “moving toward  the healthy city is an unfinished symphony; an extended piece of music with more than one movement, played by groups with different expertise, but all aiming to harmoniously construct a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts.”  The quotation is touching, not just because Coburn compares the development of a healthy city to music, but he recognizes that a healthy city can only be accomplished by individuals and different departments collaborating to make improvements towards the city.  Each individual has a role in the development of a healthy city, and it is necessary they learn to work with one another.  The quotation is acknowledges that the development of a healthy city is a constantly evolving process. Improvements will always be necessary and there is no room for complacency. Information is expanding and the best way to ensure that a city is developed in a health-conscious manner is to remain open to fresh ideas and possibilities.

References

Coburn, J. (). Planning Healthy and Equitable Cities. Toward the Healthy City: People, Places, and the Politics of Urban Planning (). : MIT Press.