Boston: for the Benefit of Urban Communities
Survey by the American Institute of Architects named “Cities as a Lab: Designing the Innovation Economy” demonstrates how design can foster innovative approache to the changing needs of American cities. Report “Local Leaders: Healthier Communities Through Design” is the seventh in a series of the AIA reports on livable, sustainable communities, the examples of which addresses the issue of how to improve the health of their residents.
When people think of health, often the first thing that comes to mind is the medical industry. However, architects can help create healthier communities. Preventative strategies for improving health can be designed into our cities, helping people from becoming sick in the first place. Promoting development patterns that are more compact and closer to transit, shopping, restaurants, social services, and community amenities is the first part of a comprehensive, systems-level solution. Active lifestyles rely in large part on expanding the options for when, where, and how people can live, work, and play. These strategies also result in environmental and economic benefits.
Boston is a national leader in green building and passed one of the first mandatory green building policies in the country. The city’s sustainability efforts have continually expanded over the past decade. Boston is now moving to address a broad range of issues through a set of initiatives that will both reduce residents’ energy costs and improve community health.
These initiatives are vitally important as Boston is dealing with many of the same health issues that are affecting other communities across America: rising levels of obesity, chronic diseases, and asthma. The city’s proactive approach in supporting green affordable housing is making a positive difference and provides a successful template for public health solutions that serve disadvantaged residents.
In 2004, Boston’s long-serving mayor Thomas Menino created the Green Building Task force. This committee developed design solutions for a deteriorating public housing stock and created a plan to guide private projects toward better design and energy efficiency. Architects had a seat at the table and collaborated with city officials on specific design elements that could help local families achieve greater energy efficiency while living in healthier indoor environments.
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Materials provided by The American Institute of Architects (AIA)