News

11 October 2007

Competition fights obesity by design

How would you use design, planning or architecture to contribute to the fight against obesity? 

This is the question architecture and design students are being asked to address as part of the second Canberra Biennial in the Athletic Village Design Ideas Competition. 

The competition which boasts $10,000 in prize money asks students to explore elements that provide an environment for sustained health and well being. 

Over 60% of Australians are obese or over-weight and this is a problem that affects not only individuals, but society, as it places an increasing burden on health and financial systems.

NCA Chief Executive Annabelle Pegrum said that urban design, planning and architecture could contribute significantly to a healthy lifestyle and encourage activity.

“Design alone cannot solve the obesity epidemic, but it can promote an active lifestyle for people of all ages,” she said.

“The Athletic Village Design Ideas Competition is a chance for students to look at the tools of planning and architecture to encourage walking or riding to work, making the stairs a more appealing alternative to the lift and making activity something people do as part of their every-day lives,” Ms Pegrum said.

“Canberra is lucky to enjoy open green spaces throughout the city – an urban planning component that is known to increase activity and decrease obesity.

“It is an exciting prospect to see villages or elements of villages designed ideally to encourage inhabitants to be active.”

Entries by students can be submitted online at the Canberra Biennial Design Ideas Competition website at www.canberrabiennial.com. The deadline for submission is 5pm, Thursday 25 October 2007. The winner will be announced at the opening of the Biennial on 9 November 2007.

The Canberra Biennial is a partnership between the University, the National Capital Authority and the ACT Planning and Land Authority. The Biennial aims to reflect and promote Canberra as a centre of ideas, innovation and design.

Media Contact

Sarah Lunney           
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