![Healthy Urbanism Proposal / Interface Studio Architects - Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5171/5d80/b3fc/4b20/1400/007b/large_jpg/8.jpg?1366383996)
The proposal for Healthy Urbanism is a collaboration between a visionary client, a health scientist and ISA - Interface Studio Architects to investigate the potential for health outcomes to influence large-scale neighborhood and building design. The consulting team developed a conceptual tool in order to bring spatial design and health outcomes into communication with one another. “The Matrix” is a key proposal of the work which creates a bridge between health-related research and literature, factors, health impacts, program, and design parameters. More images and architects' description after the break.
![Healthy Urbanism Proposal / Interface Studio Architects - Chair, Patio](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5171/5d88/b3fc/4b20/1400/007c/large_jpg/9.jpg?1366384006)
The client provided the consultants a sandbox and a long leash to come up with an approach and “system of thinking”. A series of sites were identified ranging in size from half an acre to six acres. A general bucket of mixed-use programs including food-oriented uses, recreation, art spaces, and affordable housing became ingredients for effective urbanism, as well as components to encourage healthy lifestyles.
![Healthy Urbanism Proposal / Interface Studio Architects - Image 3 of 11](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5171/5d8f/b3fc/4b20/1400/007d/medium_jpg/10.jpg?1366384009)
Unlike the often linear check-list approaches typical of green building scoring systems, the tool was intentionally flexible, but rigorous, so the science of health could help energize design creativity rather than limit it.
![Healthy Urbanism Proposal / Interface Studio Architects - Image 4 of 11](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5171/5d91/b3fc/4b74/8700/0090/large_jpg/11.jpg?1366384015)
Some examples of strategies and tactics:
Affordable Housing – designing truly affordable, energy efficient housing saves money that can be spent on fresh food and a gym membership.
Irresistible Loop – a ½ mile log circulation path that encourages residents of a large housing block to take the long way home and burn some calories.
Food Hub – Large footprint food industry, a supermarket and housing can all coexist in a mixed-use, high density development that encourages walking, kids learning about food sources, and storefronts that light up the sidewalk at night with displays of what gets made inside.
![Healthy Urbanism Proposal / Interface Studio Architects - Image 5 of 11](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5171/5d76/b3fc/4b20/1400/007a/large_jpg/5.jpg?1366383988)
The Backyard – A site with a subway underneath that can’t be built on becomes an ever-changing food/culture market that sells farm fresh products, hosts concerts and provides a dynamic social space.
Health Pods – Micro storefronts and pocket parks are embedded within a large housing block to make access to health clinics, educational resources and recreational opportunities part of the urban fabric.
Architects: ISA - Interface Studio Architects
Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Consultants: HealthxDesign
Major Funding: State of New York
Project Phase: Concept Design
Area: multiple sites (50,000SF – 350,000SF)
Year: 2012