6:00 PM – 8:00 PM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 at the Center for Architecture, 536 La Guardia Place
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, architects and urban reformers helped to defeat infectious diseases like cholera and tuberculosis by designing better buildings, streets, neighborhoods, clean water systems, and parks. In the 21st century, designers can again play a crucial role in combating the most rapidly growing public health epidemics of our time: obesity and its impact on related chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
Today, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are second only to tobacco as the main causes of premature death in the United States. A growing body of research suggests that evidence-based architectural and urban design strategies can increase regular physical activity and healthy eating. The Active Design Guidelines provide architects and urban designers with a manual of strategies for creating healthier buildings, streets, and urban spaces, based on the latest academic research and best practices in the field.
The Guidelines include:
Urban design strategies for creating neighborhoods, streets, and outdoor spaces that encourage walking, bicycling, and active transportation and recreation.
Building design strategies for promoting active living where we work and live—for example, through the placement and design of stairs, elevators, and indoor and outdoor spaces.
Discussion of Synergies between active design and sustainable design initiatives such as LEED and PlaNYC.
