Design Strategies for Fostering Physically Active Lifestyles

The Active Design Guidelines is aimed at facilitating the implementation of ‘active design’ concepts by built environment professionals, ultimately enabling the public to incorporate more physical activities in daily life. The advisory document, jointly formulated by the Planning Department and Arup in 2023, has outlined the related considerations for urban projects on two key scales (neighbourhoods and buildings), in addition to case studies.

The proposed designs within neighbourhoods cover age-inclusive activity areas; inviting streetscapes with supporting infrastructure; and the expansion of present pedestrian and cycling networks. Convenient access to natural blue-green assets is deemed ideal, particularly the waterfronts and country parks.

As for multi-storey structures, the provision of recreational spaces on top floors or the podiums is recommended. Daylit stairs, ramps and skybridges should be incorporated as focal points to encourage use, together with point-of-decision prompts near the lifts as well as escalators. Other highlights are visually permeable façades for enhanced street legibility and green walls to alleviate pedestrian heat stress.

To learn more, please refer to the 100-page study. —Construction+ Online

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Sources: Arup; Active Design Guidelines