Maximize Movement with Active Design: Strategies for Healthier Buildings
HIIT Studio design concept by Biofit
What is Active Design?
Active design is an innovative approach that integrates physical activity into the built environment, promoting healthier, more physically active lifestyles for users of different ages.
This concept is particularly relevant in today’s context, where sedentary lifestyles contribute to rising obesity rates and various health concerns.
Active design focuses on creating spaces that foster physical activity, making it easier for individuals to incorporate movement into their daily routines.
By involving a diverse range of professionals—from healthy building consultants like us to architects, urban planners, public health experts, and community leaders—active design aims to transform environments into vibrant, engaging places that inspire people to move more.
Of particular note, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has been a pioneer in promoting active design principles, showcasing its importance for public health.
The Importance of Active Design
We believe active design is crucial in addressing the modern challenges of public health, particularly the increasing rates of obesity, heart disease and sedentary lifestyles.
Research indicates that creating environments that support physical activity such as stair use or active travel to / from work can significantly improve health outcomes.
By incorporating active design into buildings , communities can enhance overall well-being and reduce healthcare costs associated with sedentary lifestyles., making it a win-win for developers, tenants and local councils.
To be clear though, this is not just about 'exercise'; it encompasses a broader vision of how built environments can positively impact occupant health.
It ranges from the installation of parks and recreational spaces to the development of pedestrian-friendly streets, activated stairwells, standing desks, designed to encourage people to move more in their daily lives, be that at work, their place of study or apartment building.
Benefits of Active Design
Incorporating active design principles offers a multitude of benefits for communities and individuals alike:
Encourages Physical Activity: Active design promotes movement, not just formal exercise, reducing sedentary behavior and improving public health across various demographics, including those who may not typically engage in physical activity.
Supports Mental Health: Access to natural light and green spaces significantly enhances mental well-being, fostering a connection to nature that reduces stress and anxiety.
Fosters Community Engagement: Well-designed public spaces encourage social interaction, promoting a sense of belonging and community cohesion.
Enhances Economic Development: Vibrant and attractive public spaces can boost local economies by attracting visitors and businesses, leading to job creation and improved services.
Promotes Environmental Sustainability: Active design encourages walking, cycling, and other forms of active transportation, contributing to reduced vehicle emissions and healthier urban environments.
Strategies for Active Design
Building Design & Interiors
The architectural layout is fundamental to active design. Here are some key strategies:
Incorporate Activated Stairwells: Design buildings with inviting, even inspirational staircases that encourage their use instead of elevators. Bright, well-lit stairwells with artworks, wall murals, plants, music or soundscapes, even aromatherapy can all encourage regular use, making them a talking point rather than a forgotten alternative to a lift.
Active workstations: Standing desks and treadmill desks facilitate low level activity, be that working standing up, or walking and working simultaneously, it's not about breaking a sweat, simply avoiding long hours in a stationery position.
Interior Layouts: Utilize open spaces to facilitate movement within buildings. Consider incorporating walking paths, lounges, and water coolers at strategic locations to encourage social interaction for example.
Urban Planning
Urban planners play a vital role in implementing active design strategies in the public realm:
Pedestrian-Friendly Streets: Design streets that prioritize safety and accessibility for pedestrians, ensuring that communities feel welcoming to all users. This includes wider sidewalks, safe crossing points, and appropriate signage.
Bicycle Infrastructure: Develop bike lanes and bike-sharing programs to encourage cycling, reducing reliance on cars and promoting active transportation. Cities that invest in bike infrastructure often see an increase in cycling rates and a corresponding decrease in traffic congestion.
Public Spaces: Create parks and recreational areas that foster social interaction and provide opportunities for physical activity. Parks designed with varied equipment can cater to different age groups, promoting play and recreation for everyone.
Encouraging Activity through Design
Creating Engaging Public Spaces
Public spaces are essential for promoting physical activity:
Parks and Playgrounds: Design parks that cater to various age groups, offering spaces for play and recreation. Features like climbing structures, walking paths, and sports fields can encourage families to spend time outdoors, thus fostering a culture of active living.
Community Gathering Areas: Develop spaces that facilitate community events, enhancing social interaction and promoting an active lifestyle. Well-designed public squares can serve as venues for events, markets, and activities that engage residents.
Incorporating Movement into Daily Life
Active design encourages movement not only during leisure time but also throughout daily routines:
Wayfinding Signage: Use clear and engaging signage to guide users toward active spaces, promoting exploration and activity. Effective signage can direct users to parks, gyms, and community centers, facilitating their active choices.
Activity Programs: Implement community programs that encourage physical activity, such as organized walking groups, outdoor fitness classes, or family sports days. These initiatives can engage diverse groups and foster community ties.
Fitness Facilities as Part of Active Design
Indoor Gyms and Recreation Centers
Multi-Purpose Facilities: Design gyms with a range of fitness equipment and multi-functional spaces for various activities, including yoga and group classes. Such facilities can accommodate diverse fitness levels and interests.
Community Collaboration: Partner with local organizations to offer fitness programs that cater to diverse populations, fostering a culture of health and wellness. Collaborations can expand the reach of these programs and ensure they meet community needs.
Outdoor Fitness Options
Outdoor Gyms: Create fitness stations in parks that allow individuals to exercise in natural surroundings, appealing to those who prefer outdoor activities. Outdoor gyms can include equipment designed for varied fitness levels, making them accessible to everyone.
Active Recreation Spaces: Develop open areas for team sports and recreational activities, encouraging community participation. These spaces can host events that draw people together, promoting a sense of community and active living.
Community Engagement and Participation
Understanding Local Needs
Engaging with community members is essential for successful active design implementation:
Community Meetings: Host events to gather input from residents on their needs and preferences for active design. Understanding the community’s perspective ensures that projects are well-received and effectively utilized.
Public Workshops: Involve community members in the design process through workshops, allowing them to contribute ideas and feedback. This participatory approach can lead to designs that genuinely reflect community desires.
Promoting Physical Activity
Organize Events: Host community events that promote physical activity, such as fun runs, outdoor yoga, or family fitness days. These gatherings can foster a sense of community while encouraging active lifestyles.
Partnerships with Local Organizations: Collaborate with schools, businesses, and nonprofits to expand the reach of active design initiatives. By leveraging existing networks, communities can enhance participation and awareness of active design benefits.
Technology and Innovation in Active Design
Utilizing Digital Tools
Mobile Apps: Leverage technology to create apps that promote physical activity and active design initiatives, helping users stay engaged. Apps can offer information on local activities, classes, and events.
Interactive Features: Incorporate technology into public spaces, such as interactive art installations or fitness kiosks that encourage movement and exploration. These features can make active design more engaging and appealing.
Education and Training for Active Design
Professional Development
Training Programs: Offer education and training for architects and urban planners on the principles of active design. This ensures that future developments prioritize health and wellness while considering community needs.
Community Outreach: Provide information sessions to educate the public about the benefits of active design. Raising awareness can foster community support for active initiatives.
Research and Development
Collaboration with Universities: Partner with academic institutions to conduct research on active design principles and their impact on community health. Research findings can guide future projects and policy decisions.
Case Studies: Document successful active design projects to share best practices and lessons learned with other communities. Learning from real-world examples can inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.
The Role of Research in Active Design
Evidence-Based Approaches: Utilize research to inform the development of active design guidelines. This ensures that strategies are effective and tailored to community needs, allowing for continuous improvement in design practices.
Evaluating Impact: Regularly assess the effectiveness of active design initiatives on community health outcomes. This ongoing evaluation helps refine strategies and demonstrates the value of active design to stakeholders.
Conclusion
Active design is a transformative approach that promotes physical activity and enhances community well-being. By integrating these principles into building design and urban planning, we can create environments that support healthier lifestyles for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Gym facilities, yoga rooms, and outdoor exercise spaces are excellent starting points, but active design ensures a wider audience of those who may live sedentary lifestyles. Through education, training, and advocacy, we can promote active design and encourage physical activity for people of different ages and backgrounds.