Active Design is an innovative approach to designing buildings and outdoor spaces that prioritize physical activity and healthy living. It is a concept that has gained popularity in recent years as a response to the growing concern over sedentary lifestyles and the negative health outcomes associated with them. The goal of Active Design is to create environments that encourage people to be more physically active by incorporating features that promote movement and healthy behaviors. One important aspect of Active Design is the use of stairs, ramps, and paths to encourage physical activity. By making stairs more visible and accessible, and by designing attractive and engaging staircases, people are more likely to choose the stairs over elevators or escalators. Similarly, ramps and paths can be designed to encourage walking and cycling, with features such as benches, shade, and lighting to make them more comfortable and appealing. Another key aspect of Active Design is the use of natural elements such as wind, sun, and shade to create comfortable and inviting outdoor spaces. By designing buildings and outdoor spaces that take advantage of natural light and ventilation, people are more likely to spend time outdoors and engage in physical activity. Green spaces, public parks, and amenities such as water fountains and seating areas can also help to create a sense of community and encourage social interaction. Active Design is not just about physical activity, however. It also encompasses elements such as healthy eating, social connectedness, and environmental sustainability. By designing buildings and outdoor spaces that promote healthy eating options, such as community gardens or farmers' markets, people are more likely to make healthier food choices. Similarly, by creating spaces that encourage social interaction, such as public gathering spaces or community centers, people are more likely to feel connected to their community and have a sense of belonging. Overall, Active Design is a holistic approach to designing buildings and outdoor spaces that prioritize physical activity, healthy living, and environmental sustainability. By incorporating features that promote movement, healthy behaviors, and social interaction, Active Design can help to create healthier and more livable cities and communities.
physical activity, healthy living, natural elements, social interaction, environmental sustainability
Active Design is a design approach that seeks to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices through the built environment. This approach encompasses planning, design and policy elements that create environments that encourage active transportation, physical activity, healthy eating, and social connectedness. These elements, when incorporated into the built environment, help to create healthier, more livable cities and communities. Examples of Active Design elements include walkable streets, public transportation options, bike paths, green spaces, public parks, and public amenities such as benches and water fountains. Active Design has been shown to have a variety of positive health and social benefits, including reduced obesity rates, improved air quality, increased social cohesion, and economic benefits.
Exercise, Physical Activity, Wellbeing, Sustainability, Healthy Living.
Active Design is an approach which seeks to design and construct buildings and outdoor spaces that promote physical activity and healthy living through the use of features such as stairs, ramps, and paths, as well as elements like wind, sun, and shade. The concept of active design is based on the idea that the environment, such as a city, can be designed and built in such a way that it encourages people to move more and engage in healthy activities, such as walking or cycling. This can have a positive impact on physical, mental, and social wellbeing, as well as help to reduce the effects of sedentary behavior.
active design include urban planning, landscape design, wellness buildings, sustainable architecture, and human-centric design.
CITATION : "Lauren Moore. 'Active Design.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=189306 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
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