HEALTHY SPACES AND PLACES www healthyplaces org au

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 1960 s

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: üConnectivity üEnvironments for All People üMixed Density üMixed Land Use üParks and Open Space üSocial Inclusion üSupporting Infrastructure üActive Transport üAesthetics üSafety 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. q. Provide community infrastructure and facilities for all ages q. Ensure community participation in the planning and decision making q. Develop and maintain attractive, well designed and maintained public spaces and places q. Provide a range of community services targeting specific needs groups

Connectivity Increased connectivity = increased walkability = better health q. Ensure a highly interconnected street network q. Provide routes provided along predictable paths of travel q. Have a variety of local destinations within easy walking distance q. Support density increases together with an increased mix of uses

Safety and Surveillance Improves perceptions of safety and increases use = more physical activity q. Design streets to increase the presence of people q. Design buildings to provide natural surveillance of the street q. Locate parks, play areas and public open spaces so they are visible q. 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. q. Ensure park is pleasant and welcoming q. Protect and enhance any environmental, cultural and heritage values q. Ensure it is safe or perceived to be safe q. Provide equitable access to residents

Active Transport Walking, cycling and public transport use increases daily physical activity levels and improves social well being. q. Integrate active transport into the transport planning process q. Invest in required infrastructure q. Provide a variety of destinations (such as schools and shops) within walking or cycling distance of homes q. 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