Transcript Document
HEALTHY SPACES
AND PLACES
www.healthyplaces.org.au
Why is it important?
Epidemic of chronic diseases such as
cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, diabetes
and cancer
High Obesity rates – about half of the
adult population are overweight or obese
Insufficient physical activity
Mental health disorders are prevalent
and increasing
Some health facts
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in
Australia has been steadily increasing over the last
30 years
The number of overweight and obese adults
increased from 4.6 million in 1989–90 to 5.4 million
in 1995, 6.6 million in 2001 and 7.4 million in 2004–
05
Approximately 25% of children are overweight or
obese, up from an estimated 5% in the 1960s
What is the Evidence?
• There is consistent evidence that mixed density,
mixed land use and high street connectivity are
associated with increased walkability
• People walk more if they perceive streets are safe
and are aesthetically pleasing
• Accessibility to public spaces designed for all ages
and stages of life will result in greater use and
physical activity
Design Principles:
Connectivity
Environments for All People
Mixed Density
Mixed Land Use
Parks and Open Space
Social Inclusion
Supporting Infrastructure
Active Transport
Aesthetics
Safety and Surveillance
Examples of Design Principles
Environments for All People
A sense of belonging can positively benefit an individual’s personal mental
health and wellbeing.
Provide community infrastructure
and facilities for all ages
Ensure community participation in
the planning and decision making
Develop and maintain attractive,
well designed and maintained public
spaces and places
Provide a range of community
services targeting specific needs
groups
Connectivity
Increased connectivity = increased walkability = better health
Ensure a highly interconnected
street network
Provide routes provided along
predictable paths of travel
Have a variety of local destinations
within easy walking distance
Support density increases together
with an increased mix of uses
Safety and Surveillance
Improves perceptions of safety and increases use = more physical
activity
Design streets to increase the
presence of people
Design buildings to provide natural
surveillance of the street
Locate parks, play areas and public
open spaces so they are visible
Design car parks to maximise
natural surveillance and pedestrian
visibility
Parks and Open Space
Access to public parks and open space reduces stress levels,
increases physical activity and enhances social outcomes.
Ensure park is pleasant and
welcoming
Protect and enhance any
environmental, cultural and heritage
values
Ensure it is safe or perceived to be
safe
Provide equitable access to
residents
Active Transport
Walking, cycling and public transport use increases daily physical
activity levels and improves social well being.
Integrate active transport into the
transport planning process
Invest in required infrastructure
Provide a variety of destinations
(such as schools and shops) within
walking or cycling distance of homes
Support public transport provision
by density and mixed land use
provisions
Making it happen
1. Integration – incorporate healthy design principles
across a range of business units
2. Partnerships – work with others
3. Implementation – plan, fund and build
4. Research – understand community and look for other
examples
5. Education and Training – tell others
6. Measuring Success – review and improve
More information
Healthy Spaces and Places: National guide
to designing places for healthy living
www.healthyplaces.org.au