New York: City up to the Mark

In a study of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) – “Local Leaders: Healthier Communities Through Design” on examples of particular cities considered the issue of how architecture and design tools should improve the health of the urban dwellers. Nowadays the situation is so that physical activity is significantly reduced, and this leads to excess weight and chronic diseases increase. In the U.S. healthcare costs are constantly increasing and it is estimated that by 2020 may reach 20% of GDP. New York City offers its own solution to the problem – through a wide-ranging dialogue and following the Active Design Guidelines.

New Yorkers typically weigh six pounds less than other adults across the United States. Nevertheless, the city has been experiencing the national trend of rising obesity and chronic diseases. Childhood obesity rates are also higher: about 40 percent of elementary and middle school children in New York City are overweight or obese, compared to approximately 30 percent nationally. New York has been implementing many progressive initiatives to promote healthier foods and eating habits. However, those strategies are not wholly sufficient without simultaneously creating additional opportunities for physical activity.

The American Institute of Architects’ local chapter, AIA New York (AIANY), is playing a vital role in this effort by bringing together policymakers and professionals to launch a productive, ongoing conversation about the power of design to promote physical activity. Over the past several years, New York City has made a strong commitment to implement high-impact design solutions as a key strategy for improving public health. As New York continues to pursue its vision of a fitter, healthier city, its policies are rapidly becoming a nationwide model for other communities, both large and small.

In 2006, AIANY and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene convened the first NYC Fitcity conference. After the opening of a Center for Architecture exhibition on obesity and design, a conversation between two leaders at AIANY and the New York city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene sparked a major annual event with stakeholders coming from all over the globe to share research, insights, and best practices. The focus of these conversations was Active Design, generally understood as creating opportunities for physical activity within buildings and the broader urban environment.

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Materials provided by The American Institute of Architects (AIA)