Visiting experts to tout urban design as health aid

The right sidewalks, walking paths and outdoor attractions in a city could save your life, according to Dr. Richard Jackson, one of four doctors and architects coming to the Twin Cities to spread the gospel of healthy living through urban design.

Jackson, who hosts a PBS series on the topic, is among a growing number of researchers who believe the design of cities can impact residents' health -- everything from obesity to lung disease. A city's design also may influence mental health concerns such as depression and isolation.

What's more, making spaces that once were mostly frequented by drivers more accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists and residents can be good for business.

"We need to rethink how we zone places," said Jackson, pointing to the example of Sacramento, Calif., which is adding residential apartments to downtown hotels and state office buildings. "You can't have a lively downtown if everyone goes home at 5 o'clock and no one is around on weekends. Businesses can't survive, they can't thrive if that happens."

The four like-minded experts -- including two San Francisco-based architects and a medical practitioner turned public health attorney -- are coming to St. Paul in May to offer their thoughts on the subject.

The St. Paul Riverfront Corp.'s "Placemaking Residency" will host Jackson, Dr. Anthony Iton and two architects from Gehl Studio from May 11 to May 15.

HealthEast is the lead sponsor among 30 groups helping to fund and organize what amounts to their "residencies" with the city. It will culminate with the Great River Gathering on May 14 at the St. Paul RiverCentre on Kellogg Boulevard.

The banquet, now in its 21st year, draws together St. Paul's civic leaders, policymakers and the private sector to celebrate the capital city. Jackson will deliver the keynote address.

The hope is that the discussion will be more than academic.

The St. Paul Riverfront Corp. last year hosted Colombian urban planner Gil Penalosa, whose international "8-80" cities initiative has become the blueprint for St. Paul's $42 million neighborhood improvement fund of the same name.

Read more:
Visiting experts to tout urban design as health aid