In the 19th and early 20th centuries, architects and urban reformers in New York City and elsewhere helped defeat infectious diseases like cholera and tuberculosis by improving buildings, streets, neighborhoods, clean water systems, and parks.

Whereas infectious diseases were the gravest health threats of the last century, the largest killers of our time are chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancers, and diabetes, for which the leading risk factors are obesity, physical inactivity and poor diets.

The Center for Active Design seeks to reduce obesity and chronic diseases by promoting physical activity and healthy eating through the design of buildings, streets, and neighborhoods

In North America the average person spends 90% of their time indoors, therefore the design of buildings provides an excellent opportunity to promote daily activity. For many, stair climbing and walking between programmed spaces represents the most accessible way to be physically active.

The design of a city determines how its residents use it. Research has proven that a diverse mix of land uses, a well connected street system, good public transit, and accessible recreation spaces increase physical activity among residents.