Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Encouraging  physical  activity  is  considered  as  an  urgent  public  health  priority. The influences of built environments on physical activity have gained a  growing  interest  over  the  last  years.  Walking  in  particular  as  a  form  of  physical activity, has received an increased attention when it comes to health promotion  approaches,  but  also  due  to  its  benefits  for  the  environment,  economy, physical and mental health, and potential of integration into people’s  everyday  life.  Environments  that  encourage  walking  are  furthermore considered to possess many of the urban qualities that are integral to people’s healthy lifestyles and well‐being, as well as contributing to  sustainability.  This  thesis  is  an  exploration  into  how  active  living  can  be  promoted by creating more walkable environments. More specifically it investigates  conceptually  and  theoretically  how  outdoor  environments  can  influence walking activity and encourage physical activity in general at a population level. It gives insights into the different tools, methods and other knowledge  sources  available  that  are  useful  and  can  support  planners  and  designers in making outdoor built environments more walkable.