Short answer
Incorporate design strategies that encourage physical activity, as these strategies inherently contribute to broader environmental, social, and economic well-being.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- ResearchOnline at James Cook University (James Cook University) (2015)
- Method
- Extensive, non-systematic literature review
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Designing environments that encourage physical activity also demonstrably improves mental health, social cohesion, safety, environmental sustainability, and economic outcomes. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in ResearchOnline at James Cook University (James Cook University). Using Extensive, non-systematic literature review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate design strategies that encourage physical activity, as these strategies inherently contribute to broader environmental, social, and economic well-being.
Activity-Friendly Urban Design Yields Broad Co-Benefits Beyond Physical Health
Designing environments that encourage physical activity also demonstrably improves mental health, social cohesion, safety, environmental sustainability, and economic outcomes.
ResearchOnline at James Cook University (James Cook University) · 2015
Key Findings
- 01418 higher-quality findings were summarized.
- 0222 out of 30 setting by outcome combinations showed 'strong' evidence of co-benefits.
- 03Each setting demonstrated strong evidence for at least 3 of the 6 co-benefits, with parks and trails showing strong evidence for all 6.
- 04Activity-friendly design in all settings showed positive economic effects, including increased home value, retail activity, reduced healthcare costs, and improved productivity.
- 05Activity-friendly design in all settings had strong evidence of environmental co-benefits, including reduced pollution and carbon emissions.
Application
Design takeaway
Incorporate design strategies that encourage physical activity, as these strategies inherently contribute to broader environmental, social, and economic well-being.
How to apply
When designing public spaces, transportation networks, or buildings, prioritize features that encourage walking, cycling, and other forms of physical activity, understanding that this will also enhance environmental quality, community interaction, and economic vitality.
Project actions
- 01When proposing a design solution, clearly articulate the multiple benefits it offers, not just its primary function.
- 02Consider how your design can integrate elements that promote physical activity, even if it's not the main goal of the project.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive overview of multiple co-benefits across various settings.
- +Strong evidence base for many of the identified co-benefits.
Limitations
The review was not exhaustive (non-systematic), meaning some relevant studies might have been missed. Also, specific evidence for schools and workplaces was less robust.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings is supported by the synthesis of a large number of studies (418 findings). Validity is strengthened by the focus on 'higher-quality findings' and the consistent patterns of co-benefits across different settings.
Think critically
Given the strong evidence for co-benefits, why is there still a lack of 'activity-friendly' design in many urban areas and buildings?
Design Principles
"Holistic design for activity yields multifaceted community benefits."
This research highlights that design decisions aimed at promoting active lifestyles can have a ripple effect, creating more holistic benefits for communities. Designers can leverage this by integrating physical activity promotion as a core strategy for achieving broader societal goals.
What This Means for Your Design
Making places where people can easily be active (like nice parks or walkable streets) doesn't just help them get exercise; it also makes them happier, safer, better for the environment, and even boosts the local economy.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the broader impacts of your design choices, particularly if your design aims to improve user well-being or environmental performance.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The design of 'activity-friendly environments' offers a compelling case for holistic urban and built environment development, as research indicates these designs yield significant co-benefits beyond promoting physical activity. These advantages extend to improved mental health, enhanced social cohesion, increased safety, substantial environmental sustainability gains (reduced pollution and carbon emissions), and positive economic impacts such as increased property values and reduced healthcare costs. Therefore, integrating features that encourage physical activity should be a core consideration in design practice to achieve multifaceted community improvements.
Source
ResearchOnline at James Cook University (James Cook University)
Making the case for designing active cities
journal · 2015
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about activity-friendly urban design yields broad co-benefits beyond physical health?
- Incorporate design strategies that encourage physical activity, as these strategies inherently contribute to broader environmental, social, and economic well-being. Evidence: ResearchOnline at James Cook University (James Cook University) (2015).
- Why does "Activity-Friendly Urban Design Yields Broad Co-Benefits Beyond Physical Health" matter for design?
- This research highlights that design decisions aimed at promoting active lifestyles can have a ripple effect, creating more holistic benefits for communities. Designers can leverage this by integrating physical activity promotion as a core strategy for achieving broader societal goals.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Incorporate design strategies that encourage physical activity, as these strategies inherently contribute to broader environmental, social, and economic well-being.
- What were the main findings?
- 418 higher-quality findings were summarized.. 22 out of 30 setting by outcome combinations showed 'strong' evidence of co-benefits.. Each setting demonstrated strong evidence for at least 3 of the 6 co-benefits, with parks and trails showing strong evidence for all 6.. Activity-friendly design in all settings showed positive economic effects, including increased home value, retail activity, reduced healthcare costs, and improved productivity.
- What research method was used?
- Extensive, non-systematic literature review.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2015 journal from ResearchOnline at James Cook University (James Cook University).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing public spaces, transportation networks, or buildings, prioritize features that encourage walking, cycling, and other forms of physical activity, understanding that this will also enhance environmental quality, community interaction, and economic vitality.
- What are the limitations?
- The review was non-systematic, and there were identified evidence gaps, particularly in school and workplace settings, and regarding the health impacts of active travel.