Does Place-Making Hold The Key To Good Health?

Dr. Neal Kaufman explains how the design of everyday places -- including schools -- can have profound impacts on public health. The best schools, he says, are located in the center of neighborhoods, where kids and parents can walk and play together.

1 minute read

February 8, 2006, 8:00 AM PST

By Josh Stephens @jrstephens310


"Healthy place-making revolves around the idea that the places where people live, work, learn, and play can have a profound impact on the individual's well-being. Not only do places have to be free of toxins and have clean air and water, but they also have to be where human relationships are nurtured and where individuals can get enough physical activity and exercise as part of their everyday activities. They're places where individuals have access to appropriate fruits and vegetable, and where people have the opportunity to just run into their friends and make social connections and have a sense of place. And the way that you design and site buildings and organize the activities in those buildings either inhibits those things from happening or enhances them. When it's done right, you have a place that promotes health."

Thanks to Josh Stephens

Tuesday, February 7, 2006 in New Schools, Better Neighborhoods

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