Beating Obecity. The built environment’s role in fighting a global obesity epidemic

Abstract

This thesis is an exploration of the built environment’s role against the global obesity epidemic. The topic draws on the concerns of existing health issues across the globe, particularly the increasing rates of obesity and lifestyle-induced diabetes over the last two decades. In New Zealand, a country traditionally regarded as sporty and healthy, almost a third of the adults are obese, approximating to 1.1 million people. Although the solution offered to manage this epidemic thus far has been to eat less and do more, research now suggests that architecture and obesity are interrelated. The design process explored a complex question: How can the built environment be designed to encourage physical activity, promote healthier diets and change the current sedentary lifestyles that often contribute to obesity? The solution lies within the design ideas and methodology which were sourced from a wide range of literature and precedent studies. Supplemented with a systematic site analysis, a comprehensive design brief was formed, leading to the erection of an architectural proposition in the heart of Auckland. Ultimately, the dense urban environment has led to the proposal of a mixed-use high-rise, where the integral characteristics of flat suburban neighbourhood plan is strategically applied in a vertical manner. The design process was an exploration of how these different functions can co-exist and be part of a mixed-use community. The relationships of these forms were investigated and revolved around the key notion of Active Design, interwoven with holistic design interventions which encourages physical activity and healthy diets throughout the high-rise. It is apparent that health and architecture are correlated and that the built environment has an immediate impact on our lifestyles. As such, the proposed design will increase people’s calorie expenditure by successfully motivating New Zealanders to exercise more regularly through dynamic and engaging architectural responses. Furthermore, it will set a new standard for architectural design, which will become extra effective in combating obesity and enhance the living standards for the present and future generations in New Zealand.