Origin story
Gehl, the former Gehl Institute, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), with a group of global advisors, developed the Inclusive Healthy Places Framework as a tool for evaluating and creating healthy, inclusive public places that support health equity. The Framework draws from global inspiration and research in the fields of public health, and urban planning and design. Gehl and RWJF traveled to places within the United States and destinations ranging from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Coimbra, Portugal. Through interviews with experts and observations of successful public spaces in action, the team surfaced ideas to expand and reshape thinking and practices in the United States. Each stop along the learning journey gave additional context to think more deeply about inclusion, health, and equity in real places where people live, work, socialize, and struggle.
Folkets Park / Copenhagen
2017
2018
2020
2022+
Inside the Inclusive Healthy Places Framework
Working on the ground
Frameworks are only effective if they’re put to good use. That’s why Gehl and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have teamed up with four organizations to test how the IHP Framework can be a guide for community-based projects. Each organization was chosen for its national reach and close ties to community partners. Facilitated by Gehl and RWJF, leaders from each organization convened regularly through Spring 2022 to update on progress and share lessons learned. Together, the group built a community of practice centered on health equity.
Gehl is an urban design, strategy, and research firm that works alongside communities worldwide. By applying a people-first approach to the planning and design of our cities, Gehl believes we can make them more equitable, healthy, and sustainable — all while making cities vibrant places where people are invited to interact and connect with each other.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is committed to improving health and health equity in the United States. In partnership with others, we are working to develop a Culture of Health rooted in equity that provides every individual with a fair and just opportunity to thrive, no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they have.
