How can you design buildings that encourage physical activity and exercise with CAD?

Absolutely, a great stair focal point example is the triple-helix staircase in the central atrium of Bloomberg London Headquarters by Foster + Partners. Illuminated by a skylight and accommodating three people side-by-side, it encourages casual conversation and inclusivity with low risers and wide treads, promoting stair use for everyone. Another example is the BBD Scotland Headquarters by David Chipperfield Architects, featuring open large platforms in a longitudinal atrium design. In this atrium, the broadcasting studio "boxes" create ascending platforms connected by staircases, forming an active "main street." The roofs of these boxes offer extra meeting spots, fostering a dynamic environment that encourages movement between floors.

Designing buildings with CAD software allows for the strategic placement of staircases in central locations, making them more attractive than elevators for everyday use. By visually emphasizing staircases through architectural details and natural lighting, you can encourage people to choose the healthier option. Additionally, incorporating artwork or interactive elements within stairwell spaces can further incentivize stair use, contributing to increased physical activity among building occupants.

Design staircases to be highly visible and accessible from main areas. Avoid hiding them behind doors or in secluded corners. Create aesthetically pleasing staircases using materials, lighting, and design elements that make them inviting and encourage their use. Implement clear and motivational signage to guide people towards staircases and promote their use over elevators.

Utilize CAD to design seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging movement and exercise. This could involve creating open layouts that lead to outdoor courtyards or gardens, designing walking paths that are visually connected to the indoor environment, or incorporating large, operable glass walls that encourage users to step outside. These design choices can promote active lifestyles by making physical activity a natural part of people's daily routines within the building.

Design spaces that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor environments. Use large windows, patios, and green roofs to create a connection with nature. Include amenities such as walking paths, exercise stations, and recreational areas in outdoor spaces to encourage physical activity. Create multipurpose spaces that can be used for both work and exercise, such as convertible courtyards and terraces.

CAD software enables the incorporation of specific design features that promote physical activity, such as indoor gyms, bicycle storage facilities, and sports courts. Planning these features from the outset ensures they are conveniently located and accessible to all users, encouraging regular use. Designing visually appealing and inviting active spaces can significantly impact the likelihood of their use, fostering a culture of health and wellness within the building.

Design layouts that encourage movement, such as placing commonly used areas (e.g., break rooms, restrooms) further apart. Include dedicated fitness facilities such as gyms, yoga rooms, and bike storage to promote regular exercise. Use interactive elements like climbing walls, balance beams, or even playful furniture that encourages movement.

Designing with CAD allows for the integration of technology that can track usage of active spaces and features within a building. This data can be used to provide feedback to occupants, encouraging continued use through gamification or reward systems. For example, digital displays can show collective steps climbed on a staircase or miles biked to work, offering incentives for reaching certain milestones. This approach leverages technology to motivate building occupants to engage in physical activity.

Integrate technology to provide feedback on physical activity, such as through apps or digital displays that track steps and encourage movement. Design spaces that support wellness programs, offering rewards or recognition for active behavior, such as walking meetings or participation in fitness challenges.

Engaging with future users and stakeholders during the CAD design process can yield insights into specific needs and preferences for physical activity spaces. This collaborative approach ensures that the final design is user-centric, catering to the activities most likely to be embraced by occupants. User involvement can range from surveys and workshops to participatory design sessions, ensuring the building's active design features are both desired and utilized.

Leveraging existing guidelines and best practices for active design in the CAD planning phase ensures the building promotes health and wellness effectively. This includes adhering to standards that recommend the optimal size and placement of physical activity spaces, as well as accessibility considerations. Researching case studies and industry standards can provide a solid foundation for designing buildings that naturally encourage physical activity and exercise.

I think the CAD point is a distraction - start with the question of what makes it appealing to walk around. Those offices where stairs are integrated into the space e.g., because of glass walls, or being in an atrium naturally see more people use them. Similarly, rather than replicating the same style of break out areas on each floor, make them different then people might move more to make use of them. Obviously the CAD comes in for the actual design but is not critical for the inspirational thinking part

Ensure that all active design features are accessible to individuals of all abilities. This includes ramps, wide corridors, and appropriate signage. Design spaces that are safe for physical activity, with proper lighting, non-slip surfaces, and ergonomic furniture. Foster a sense of community through communal spaces and programs that encourage group activities and social interaction. Apply behavioral insights to subtly encourage movement, such as placing essential services (e.g., mailrooms, cafeterias) at a distance that requires walking.