by Shane Henson — December 19, 2012—Stressing that communities designed with citizens’ health and wellness in mind lead to healthier populations, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released a report, Local Leaders: Healthier Communities Through Design, that provides a roadmap for towns and cities looking to help their residents stay healthy by employing design techniques that encourage residents to increase their physical activity.
According to the AIA, individuals who live in livable, mixed-use communities with options for transit weigh less, are more physically active, and experience less chronic disease. Studies highlighted in the report show that a community designed for exercise can prevent 90 percent of type two diabetes, as well as 50 percent of heart disease, site-specific cancers, and strokes. Better buildings and neighborhoods offer a comprehensive, cost-effective solution, says the AIA.
Several cities have already created initiatives and policies aimed at improving people’s health through better design:
- New York City: A city-wide conversation to promote healthier design through the Active Design Guidelines, Fit City conferences, and innovative urban design.
- Los Angeles: Advancing active mobility and healthier growth through living streets, public transit, and healthier community design with innovative policies and initiatives.
- Nashville: A firm commitment to become the healthiest city in the South by creating an active culture, improving access to fresh foods, and promoting healthier transportation within and across neighborhoods.
- Milwaukee: Revitalizing blighted brown fields for thriving light industry, healthier buildings, and neighborhood access to active recreation.
- Boston: Designing healthier, high-performance green affordable housing for better air quality.
- Portland: Creating communities for all ages with policy decisions that promote mobility, accessibility, and family-oriented affordable housing options.
- Austin: Developing complete, more active communities through complete streets, better neighborhood design, and health-promoting public spaces.
- Seattle: Envisioning the future through a health-promoting EcoDistrict with healthier buildings, better mobility, improved access to fresh foods, and more social equity.
