Buildings

Clever building design can promote incidental physical activity – one of the key ways of increasing overall activity levels. Buildings that encourage stair use and provide end-of-trip facilities, such as showers and bike racks, can increase workers’ activity levels, for instance. Similarly, convenient access to public transport and safe streetscapes are all ways of encouraging more active travel to work. This section includes everything from why the design and aesthetics of stairs can encourage people to make the climb, to the importance of verandahs in promoting all-weather walking to and from work or public transport stops. 

The design of buildings can encourage physical activity by including features such as:

• Spaces and facilities that promote incidental physical activity
• Prominent and attractive staircases that encourage stair use
• End-of-trip facilities or amenities (such as showers and bicycle storage) to support cycling and walking 
• Siting near public transport
• Natural surveillance of the streetscape

Authors: Professor Billie Giles-Corti, Dr Sarah Foster, Dr Nyssa Hadgraft, Dr Lucy Gunn, Julianna Rozek.

What do we mean by "buildings"? 

Buildings include a roof and walls, and are generally located permanently in one place. They provide people with sheltered, secure and comfortable places to live and work. Buildings serve a range of functions and can be public or privately owned.