Health as an Institutional Commitment. The conversion of Nordkraft from a Power Station to a Cultural and Health Centre

Abstract

More than half of the world's population currently lives in cities, and urban health problems have worsened. In cities, there are serious risk factors for health and the spread of diseases, such as COVID-19 whose major epicentres have been in urban settlements. To guarantee public health, urban environments must be remodelled on the basis of new urban planning principles, in a holistic vision with integrated social and health-related aspects. Indeed, public health in urban habitats is not just about increasing life expectancy but also about improving the quality of life itself. Consequently, urban environments must offer not only health services but also social opportunities to individuals, namely the ability to build relationships, cultivate interests, develop culturally and lead a healthy lifestyle. The World Health Organization promotes health in urban environments through the Healthy Settings approach and the establishment of a network of healthy cities, encouraging local authorities to experiment with initiatives for the construction of environments favourable to health. Among these is the former Nordkraft power plant in Aalborg (Denmark) which was converted into a centre for psychophysical well-being for citizens in which spaces and equipment are offered for diverse hybrid and creative activities. This work examines this conversion as a case study of projects promoting community health and well-being in urban environments.