Cartesius Utrecht: building a healthy neighborhood
Approximately 3,000 dwellings will be built in Cartesius Utrecht until 2028. The spatial design is inspired by Blue Zones, areas in the world where people live healthier and happier. This research project focuses on the question: What can we learn about healthy urban development in Cartesius?
Objective
Cartesius is a living lab in which we learn together with (future) residents, and professionals from research, policy and practice. We develop a reflexive monitoring system that allows us to monitor area developments, (determinants of) resident’s health and well-being and community development. We investigate the use, experience and needs of the diversity of residents, and provide lessons learned, perspectives for action, and practical tools for professionals involved in healthy area development.
Results
- Lessons for practice: overview of design principles for healthy area development
- Action perspectives and practical tools for healthy area development
- Publications and a final symposium
Duration
01 January 2026 - 31 December 2029
Approach
We are developing a reflexive monitoring system to track area development, residents’ health and well-being, community growth, and collaboration in Cartesius. Insights gained will inform future phases in research, education, and professional practice, within and beyond Utrecht.
"In this project we discover together with residents and designers what really works for healthy and happy living together in this new neighbourhood"
Impact for education
Cartesius provides a rich learning environment where practice, research, and education come together to collaborate and learn about healthy urban development. Based on these insights, practical action perspectives and concrete tools are developed to support this development.
Collaboration with knowledge partners
The research consortium consists of HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, municipality of Utrecht, province of Utrecht, area developers Ballast Nedam Development and MRP, healthcare organization ‘De Tussenvoorziening’, and housing corporation Portaal. Project builds on activities of the covenant 'Building a Healthy Neighbourhood'.
Co-funding
This project is made possible with funding from Regieorgaan SIA (RAAK PRO) and co-funding from all consortium partners.
