Thanks to an executive order issued this week, New York City's government buildings will become another tool in Mayor Michael Bloomberg's multipronged effort to fight obesity.
"NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg issued an executive order Wednesday requiring all new government facilities to be designed in a way that encourages physical activity, like taking the stairs," reports Alex Goldmark. "He wants to help the rest of the city do the same with new legislation and a new academic center. It's all part of a push to spread a philosophy called Active Design."
"Bloomberg announced two separate pieces of legislation to encourage—though not require, the city stresses—stairway access," explains Goldmark. "The first would mandate that building owners make one well-marked stairwell available for use in every building and add signage near elevators 'prompting stair use.' The other proposal would allow landlords to use devices to keep stairwell doors open for up to three consecutive floors to make it easier for workers to take those short, intra-building trips on foot instead of by elevator."
"As with his previous health initiatives, Mayor Bloomberg wants this idea replicated beyond the five boroughs, so he also announced the launch of a nonprofit institution to spread the active design gospel."
FULL STORY: Mayor Bloomberg Says You're Not Using the Stairs Enough
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In this New York Times opinion, health issues correspondent Meera Senthilingam writes that too much of New York City is not designed for physical activity, including walking. Imagine what the suburbs and less vibrant cities are like!
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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