Activating Architecture in Urban Spaces

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PREFACE
Preface by the Ministry of Social Affairs, 2009
The combination of an increasingly overweight population
and infrequent physical activity affords a range of
problems for our society. Consequently, it makes sense
to focus on prevention by creating good physical settings
that are conducive to physical activity and movement.
The need for more physical activity in everyday life can
be met by increasingly integrating movement in the
architecture and design of the urban spaces we use
in our daily lives. Traditionally, spaces for sports and
movement have been separated from the urban setting,
relegated to sports halls. Yet studies of our exercise
habits point to the fact that more spontaneous and selforganised
sports are gaining ground. This indicates that
planning for public spaces should focus on creating good
settings for sports and movement.
For several years, urban renewal legislation has granted
experimental and developmental funding for the
continued development and adaptation of our towns and
cities. In 2007 the Ministry of Social Affairs, earmarked
funding for a series of experimental projects focusing on
health and movement in urban spaces. The objective was
to promote attractive and well-functioning cities that also
support an active lifestyle. This publication, Activating
Architecture and Urban Planning, is the result of one
such experimental project.
The publication comprises concrete recommendations
and inspirational material from Denmark and abroad
concerning the transformation of existing urban spaces
into active urban spaces that promote movement. We
hope the publication can serve as a concrete planning
tool for municipalities, for example when urban planning
in connection with an area renewal scheme seeks to
support an active lifestyle.
We hope the publication will inspire municipalities
to work with the activating city, facilitating access to
physical activity for the individual citizen.
Ministry of Social Affairs