Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Active Living Research, OCAD University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene present the second in a series of supplements to the original Active Design Guidelines, Affordable Designs for Affordable Housing. Housing developments present an important opportunity for creating healthy places where people live, including children and their families. Affordable housing presents a particularly important opportunity to address health and social issues, including health disparities.
Given the current lack of safe opportunities for physical activity in many low-income neighborhoods, as well as limitations on time and resources, it is more important than ever to design affordable housing that supports active play and physical activity.
Drawing from the expanding evidence-base, Affordable Designs for Affordable Housing focuses on feasible, low-cost ways to implement Active Design in affordable housing developments across the United States. This publication presents 11 case studies that explore the means and costs of applying Active Design in family-focused affordable housing developments and provides concrete examples and analysis of how simple, low- to no-cost design changes can help encourage active living amongst affordable housing residents of all ages.
By implementing Active Design strategies, developers, architects, planners, and building owners can help combat the current epidemics of obesity and related chronic diseases. We recognize collaborations such as these are essential to create healthier, more sustainable communities.
Affordable Designs for Affordable Housing was developed through a partnership among OCAD University, Georgia Institute of Technology, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and private sector developers. Other agencies contributing to this document include NYC Departments of Housing Preservation and Development, and Design and Construction. Work related to this publication has been supported by funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Active Living Research program.
