The Center for Active Design is building its reference collection of innovative projects that use the design of the built environment to promote health. Accepted projects will be featured among our case studies, and may be tapped for future conferences, publications, and exhibitions. Submitted projects should exemplify the strategies found in the Active Design Guidelines, and highlight one or more of the following themes:

Active Transportation: Does your project support a safe and vibrant environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders? For example, does it have:

  • Wide sidewalks and safe crosswalks
  • Traffic calming elements that slow driving speeds
  • Lighting, benches, public art, and other sidewalk amenities
  • Interconnected bikeways and ample bicycle parking
  • Comfortable bus stops with benches and protective shelters

Active Recreation: Does your project provide access to recreation spaces that accommodate different interests, ages, and abilities? For example, does it have:

  • Parks, plazas, and playgrounds that are easily accessed by pedestrians and cyclists
  • Spaces and activities that respond to unique local and cultural preferences
  • Amenities that allow users to enjoy spaces for longer periods of time, such as trees, lighting, water fountains, and seating

Healthy Eating: Does your project offer opportunities for growing or purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, or increasing ready access to tap water? For example, does it have:

  • Space for a farmers market, or a small fruit and vegetable stand
  • Community and school gardens
  • Rooftop gardens and greenhouses
  • Visible water fountains with faucets for refilling multi-use bottles

Active Buildings: Does your project support the health of building occupants with opportunities for physical activity within the building site? For example, does it have:

  • Stairs that are accessible, visible, attractive, and well-lit
  • Outdoor bicycle parking and secure indoor bicycle storage
  • On-site exercise facilities and play spaces
  • On-site gardening opportunities

Preferential attention will be given to the following:

  • Projects outside of New York City that respond to unique community contexts around the U.S. and globally;
  • Projects outside urban areas that illustrate how Active Design can support physical activity and healthy food access in lower-density communities;
  • Projects that feature design innovations, and move beyond the existing strategies found in the Guidelines;
  • Built projects which have a track record of success (although projects in the design or planning stages may also be considered).

All additional information you can find on Center for Active Design site.