Physical Activity + Architecture

Abstract

People today face many health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and some cancers. About one third of Americans are obese and that number is projected to increase substantially. Even though regular exercise can alleviate and in some cases prevent many of these health problems and greatly benefits a person’s quality of life, many people still do not meet the recommended requirements. This project analyzes how to motivate people to add physical activity to their routines through architecture and how architectural design can play a part in promoting health and wellbeing. Based on its findings, the project proposes a redesign of Ala Moana Beach Park and a linking of nearby parks through pathways, exercise stations, and signage that will encourage the residents of Oahu to exercise more regularly.