Creating an active city!

If there's one thing that's going to be associated with the current era, it will be our overwhelming desire to consume. A branch of this consumption is of course our propensity to consume food and unfortunately many of us have also become accustomed to the lack of exercise in our everyday lives. Too much food + Little exercise = Obesity. How does this relate to planning and streets? Well, it can be argued that planning and city design has aided this national dilemma, unintentionally of course. So, the New York City Department of Design + Construction has come up with a great document addressing this pressing issue. 'Active Design Guidelines' is an interesting document that focuses on peoples health rather than the usually broad sustainability stuff that focuses on the planets health.

"Today, architectural and urban design too often support unhealthy rather than healthy diets, and sedentary rather than active daily lifestyles. The Active Design Guidelines aim to reverse these trends, by providing architects and urban designers in New York City and beyond with a manual for creating healthier buildings, streets, and urban spaces. Active design is environmental design that encourages stair climbing, walking, bicycling, transit use, active recreation, and healthy eating."

"A growing body of research suggests that evidence-based architectural and urban design strategies can increase regular physical activity and healthy eating."

Some practical points the guideline list include:

-Design accessible, pedestrian-friendly streets with high connectivity, traffic calming features, landscaping, lighting, benches, and water fountains;

-Improve access to full-service grocery stores and fresh produce;

-Provide facilities that support exercise such as centrally visible physical activity spaces, showers, locker rooms, secure bicycle storage, and drinking fountains.

The guideline also mentions the 5 D's: 'variables that are key to analyzing the relationship between urban design and travel patterns':

Density, Diversity, Design, Destination accessibility and Distance to transit.

These elements when broken down can act as a toolkit to assessing which urban designs are encouraging and can encourage individuals to travel more on foot. With obesity on the rise, and further pressure being put on our health systems, it is fundamental to acknowledge and act on the need to incorporate more 'active' planning strategies into our cities and towns.

Density

I stumbled upon this amazing photography by Michael Wolf. One of his exhibitions has a theme of urban density. What's stunning about these photos is the shear number and repetition of buildings. The subject matter is 100% impervious surfaces. No nature to be seen. It really puts into perspective the human impact on the environment and how man-made elements dominate a lot of our visual environment.

The location is Hong Kong, as explained:

"One of the most densely populated metropolitan areas in the world, Hong Kong has an overall density of nearly 6,700 people per square kilometer. The majority of its citizens live in flats in high-rise buildings... Wolf investigates these vibrant city blocks, finding a mesmerizing abstraction in the buildings' facades."

From a planning perspective, the associated infrastructure that goes along with such densities is massive. Physical infrastructure such as transport, sewerage, water, electricity as well as social infrastructure such as provision of jobs, and general community wellbeing. It makes you wonder about an individuals wellbeing rather than the collective, living in such a dense area. One wonders how overwhelming it could be on a person.

Design on Paper

On the topic of good design and Melbourne, the following images of Melbourne's council plan and city logo demonstrate just how vibrant a city can make itself look with a bit of creativity and imaginative thinking...

Public Art

I am a great believer in the benefits of public art, and how installations can really enhance a city. Public art helps to strengthen the visual environment on a superficial level, but can also really contribute to a persons sense of place within their surroundings. Art installations exhibit a city's individual creativity and their propensity for innovation. Examples of this can be found throughout the world, however certain cities bring out their creative flair more than others. An example can be found in Melbourne, Australia.

'Blowhole', Duncan Stemler, Docklands Park.

Melbourne prides itself on being seen as a creative, fashionable city and continues to acquire this image through the development of particular arts related policies. Melbourne's 'Per Cent for Art Policy' is one such scheme that 'dedicates one per cent of the City's capital works commitments to the commissioning of new public artworks'. This strategy's aim is to enliven the city, and does just that. Projects such as the 'Blowhole' enhance amenity values and contribute to social cohesion.

A New Zealand example of a successful public work is located in Christchurch. This sculpture is a commemorative piece, and is in keeping with the surroundings. The natural fauna pattern bodes well with New Zealands image, whilst the shape itself is meant to mirror the spire of Christchurch Cathedral.

'Chalice', Neil Dawson, Cathedral Square.

A third example of great public art is located in Chicago. Labeled 'Cloud Gate', this sculpture has been nicknamed 'The Bean' due to its bean-like shape. This sculpture has a stunning presence in Millennium Park, and picks up and reflects the changes in light throughout the day. Dubbed as being transformative and iconic, it really enhances Chicago's cityscape. It creates a focal point in an otherwise fairly monotonous square. Focal points are important in a city as people identify with them, they stir a sense of pride and form a gathering point.

'Cloud Gate', Anish Kapoor, Millennium Park.

However, like most things in the public eye, public opinion will ensue. Support and strong opposition to such 'artworks' will always be had. 'The Berlin Holocaust Memorial' is a good example of this. Located in Berlin, it is a somewhat shocking and visually amazing piece of work. However, the emotional aspect of this commemorative piece is perhaps more deep and profounding than the object itself.

'The Berlin Holocaust Memorial', Peter Eisenman, Berlin.