“The greatest chance to improve health is in the community, not in the doctor’s office”
— Dr. Nicole Flowers, CDC Health & Community
Vibrant social and vital economic environments are supported as much by the designs of coffee shops, sidewalks, dry cleaners, grocery stores, playgrounds, and doctors’ and lawyers’ offices as with the business they generate. In setting the stage for such places to be planned, Land and Life® LLC brings into collaborative teams, underutilized resources such as students and retirees. Not only has their joining, time and again, contributed to public, private, and governmental cooperation but also their energy and creativity have accelerated change.
Built Environment: social equity in diversity
Streetscapes, neighborhoods, and districts designed as a social infrastructure provide spaces in which people socialize informally, formally, professionally, and publicly as a more democratic and inclusive community. These communities have high levels of social capital and a built-in resiliency.
Built Character: sense of place is critical to people’s wellbeing
Medium to high density, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use, multigenerational environments that allow residents to walk tree-lined streets in clear air extends life while building social capital. Places that foster social interaction are fundamental to sustainable healthy communities.
Building Futures: health saves money and resources
Compact, socially vibrant communities save water, have a smaller carbon footprint, contribute to higher levels of public health (and lower health care costs), require less municipal support to maintain and, as a result, support ongoing growth.