Rising populations, increasing urbanisation, climate change and growing chronic health challenges all threaten the liveability of cities. However, these issues are not insurmountable, and can be addressed in part by the deliberate integration of nature into the built environment, an increased and more sophisticated use of open space, and strong community leadership.

As part of the naturalisation of Stony Creek near Sunshine Hospital in western Melbourne, Mosaic Insights are employing ‘health by design’ principles to create a welcoming and restorative environment for hospital patients, staff and visitors. Working closely with Western Health, we are guiding the restoration and connection of the waterway with the redeveloping hospital precinct. An example of this is the optimal open space configuration for stress relief in visitors, a space that is quiet and calm, enclosed, wild and natural.