In it to lose it

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION How can architecture assist in promoting everyday physical activity and thus contribute to the population’s general physical health?

ABSTRACT As technology continuously improves to accommodate our fast-paced lifestyle, our lives become more convenient. We continuously look for the fastest and easiest way to do things to maximise productivity. Although technology has made it easier to connect with people and maximise work productivity, it has created an attitude against physical activity. Our downtime is spent watching television or on our phone, work commutes are primarily spent in our vehicles, work hours are mostly spent sitting down on our desks, choosing elevators and escalators over stairs, and ordering fast-food through drive throughs and delivery services. These behaviour habits all contribute to living sedentary lifestyles, and if not addressed or prevented, can lead to us becoming obese, which may lead to premature death.

Obesity is a medical term used to define an excessively high amount of body fat in relation to lean body mass. It is related to multiple health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, ischaemic heart disease (Atherosclerosis), joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and reproductive abnormalities

Through architectural design, this thesis proposes a way architects and designers can integrate and increase physical activity within a building to counteract sedentary behaviours. It intends to design a community centre that consists of facilities supporting a healthy lifestyle through education, exercise, and community support.

Architects and designers have a major role on the impacts our physical environment has on our health. It is time to focus less on convenience, and more on prioritising the decrease in time people will spend sedentary.

SITE: Bert Henham Reserve, Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, New Zealand