Systematic Review Of Socio-Spatial Design Strategies For Environmental Health Equity In Warm Humid Environments

Abstract

Warm-humid built environments are increasingly exposed to environmental health risks associated with heat stress, poor ventilation, dampness, indoor air pollution, inadequate housing, and unequal access to green infrastructure. These risks are often more severe among low-income households, children, older adults, and residents of poorly serviced settlements. Although existing studies have examined passive design, thermal comfort, indoor environmental quality, green infrastructure, and urban health, the evidence remains fragmented and does not sufficiently explain how socio-spatial design strategies can promote environmental health equity. This study systematically reviewed socio-spatial design strategies for environmental health equity in warm-humid built environments. It examined the strategies that improve environmental health equity, their influence on vulnerable populations, and how evidence-based approaches compare with conventional design practices. The review followed the PRISMA 2020 framework for study identification and selection, while the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) evidence-synthesis approach guided quality appraisal, data extraction, and narrative thematic synthesis. 120 records were initially identified, while 63 studies were retained. The findings show that passive ventilation, climate-responsive orientation, shading, improved window typology, moisture-sensitive housing design, green-blue infrastructure, shaded public spaces, and informal settlement upgrading can reduce heat exposure, improve indoor environmental quality, support thermal comfort, and enhance wellbeing. The study contributes a socio-spatial environmental health equity framework linking design strategies, exposure reduction, vulnerability, access, and health outcomes. It concludes that warm-humid built environments require integrated design and planning approaches that are climate-responsive, health-supportive, and socially inclusive.