HEALTHY ACTIVE BY DESIGN: THE ADDED VALUE OF EVIDENCED BASED GUIDANCE IN URBAN DESIGN PRACTICES

Effective urban design can make a difference to how people use transportation networks, buildings, and public spaces which can provide much needed solutions to getting more people more active and deliver co benefits for health, the economy, congestion and the environment.Given the strong evidence showing how urban planning and community design can either facilitate, or be a barrier to walking, cycling and public transport use, there is a clear need for further integration of health, transport and land use planning through the development of guidance and practical tools. The Heart Foundation has collaborated with planning, transport and local government groups across Australia to develop guidance that supports the design and construction of healthy and active communities. This paper outlines the background and process undertaken in the design and development of the Healthy Active by Design website resource (HABD) in Western Australia which is a successful example of a cross-sector partnership. 1