Objective This paper seeks to put individual health on a continuum with environmental health. It presents an approach to sustainable development that emphasizes the individual perspective in promoting health, a strategy that helps create conditions for individuals to better cope with life's challenges, improve the quality of life and increase a sense of wellbeing and connectedness to nature.

Methods Using case studies, the paper explores salutogenic design concepts that can help establish health-promoting resources for communities and address larger health inequalities.

Results Salutogenic concepts can be extrapolated to inform design choices, enhancing individual experiences and health-promoting outlooks within the framework of large-scale sustainable development initiatives.

Conclusion A holistic design methodology incorporating salutogenesis, natural systems and technology with physical and social infrastructure can help create a healthy, vibrant, resilient, and equitable future.