DDC collaborated with other city agencies and outside stakeholders on Active Design Guidelines which showed that design can encourage—and even make pleasurable—active lifestyles. Physical activity can reduce such prominent health problems as chronic obesity and diabetes. With Healthy Living as a Guiding Principle, DDC widens its lens, encouraging its design teams to think about aspects in the built environment that aid mental health. These include access to nature, a sense of clarity and safety in public places (which reduces anxiety), and exercise, because physically active people tend to enjoy better mental health.
Guiding Principles:
- Support mental health and well-being
- Strengthen social interaction and engagement
- Reduce environmental nuisances
- Encourage physical activity as part of everyday use 5: Promote healthy choices