Place + Social + Community

Urban Planning does not get the credit it deserves.  It is one aspect of the built environment we often forget about because it does not necessarily care about the building details (architecture), design inside the building (interior design), or mechanics regarding infrastructure (engineers).  Urban Planning, in its most elementary terms, is about relationships:  the relationships of buildings to one another, the relationship of existing conditions to new, but most importantly, the interaction of the built environment to the user.  Urban Planning is how we layout or design an area to maximize its usage and build relationships with people.  Urban planners want to design a place in such a way that it will draw people in and leave an impression that brings them back.

It's impossible to plan such a development and not consider health and well-being.  According to Jennifer Kent and Sudan Thompson's article The Three Domains of Urban Planning for Health and Well-being, three areas of focus for large-scale planning are physical activity, community interaction, and healthy eating.  All three must plan to promote a healthy lifestyle.  The question is, how.  The answers to this question are complex; therefore, we will not address them here. However, we will take a glance at each category below.

Physical activity is essential when it comes to urban development.  Various research shows that urban density and residential development support shorter travel distances, encouraging residents to walk to their destination.  Developments should consider multiple aspects of living by providing appropriate amenities to support an active lifestyle. Research also shows people living in an urban area are discouraged and less willing to travel if the distance requires a motor vehicle.

Of the three "domains," community interaction is the most difficult to define.  Individual factors, such as race, age, economics, mobility, to name a few, contribute to how a person uses a space.  Community-focused amenities and functions foster social collaboration.  Such activities could be shared gardening, activity centers, community halls, and hobby classes.  Incorporating various age groups is essential to creating a balanced social community.  Interactions of the younger members and more seasoned members of the community can only make a positive experience.  It not only breaks down barriers but also is key to promoting positive mental health.  Research shows less depression and loneliness in those who interact with their surroundings.

The balance of green space to the built environment is another way to promote good health and well-being.  With research showing record numbers of hours individuals spend indoors, it's vital to balance indoor to outdoor living.  One activity an individual can experience and enjoy the outdoors is gardening.  It encourages healthy living on multiple fronts.  It is an activity enjoyed by many, contributing to community interaction.  It promotes physical activity, and if gardening for consumption, contributes to healthy eating.

Although my background is in interior design, I have a strong interest in urban planning, especially user impact.  My goal is to use the knowledge I'm obtaining through my post-graduate education and apply it to real estate development, whether corporate or hospitality.