AIA launches new initiative
Thursday 17 November 2011 5:16 PM
Architects in the US are being asked to consider their role in addressing public health challenges across north America.
Launched by the American Institute of Architects, America’s Design and Health Initiative (ADHI) aims to articulate specific recommendations for public policy, research priorities, guidelines, and frameworks for lasting collaboration across disciplinary boundaries.
Markku Allison, AIA, Resource Architect at the AIA Center for Value of Design, commented: “Over a decade of research clearly links obesity, physical activity and the built environment. But how, specifically, do we design communities and buildings to positively and measurably influence physical well-being, health and productivity?”
He added: “In coming months, ADHI will progress in three steps, yielding three key deliverables--a body of evidence, a research agenda and policy recommendations--for architects, public health officials and policymakers.
“This information will be used to build a foundation for influential, ongoing dialog on the connections between physical activity, obesity, design and health. By clearly demonstrating connections between design and beneficial health outcomes, ADHI will give architects an important new value proposition for the society we serve."
Click here to read an introductory article by the AIA.
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