Unsplash.com, Adolfo Felix
In 2011, Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched The Center for Active Design (CfAD), leveraging the growing body of research to supporting that architecture and urban design strategies could effectively promote physical activity and healthy living in New York City. The ground-breaking research and impact of Active Design turned a local initiative into an international movement and certification system called Fitwel.
As architects, interior architects, and experiential gurus crafting places of worship, we must respond to a multitude of design goals and pragmatic needs, from the shaping of spiritual space to making play and prayer accessible.
As architects, interior architects, and experiential gurus crafting places of worship, we must respond to a multitude of design goals and pragmatic needs, from the shaping of spiritual space to making play and prayer accessible. Is there room in our programming for movements like Fitwel? What is active design? Importantly, what might health-promoting strategies mean for worship designers?
Active design is ...
There are four basic concepts to Active Design: 1.) supporting a safe and vibrant environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders, 2.) encouraging physical movement of building users, 3.) providing access to recreation and play spaces that accommodate different ages, abilities and interests, and 4.) offering opportunities to grow or purchase fresh food with access to tap water.
Like the USGBC LEED program, we recognize that not every facility, client, or even architect opts for certification processes. Time, budget, scale and scope often come into play. Like sustainability, we may seek creative and new ways to shape Active Design principles to our own project needs.
Like sustainability, we may seek creative and new ways to shape Active Design principles to our own project needs.
Implementing evidence-based strategies that connect design to health may signal to our clients and collaborators that we prioritize wellness; that we actively seek ways through architecture to improve the health of those who populate our projects: staff, visitors and community members.
Learn more about The Center for Active Design at:
For more information on NYC’s Active Design Program visit:
