Designing an evidence- and community-based green and open space at an urban health and wellness center to improve health outcomes

Background

The South Bronx, NY, is a densely populated urban area with reportedly the least amount of green open space and some of the highest obesity rates in New York City. To help address that situation, Urban Health Plan, Inc. (UHP), Canyon Ranch Institute, and Marpa Landscape Design collaborated to design a roof garden for UHP’s community health and wellness center.

Methods

Initially, a literature review gathered evidence–based best practices in designing an open space for health and healing. Then, focus groups were conducted with community members and leaders to gain an understanding of the community’s relationship with open green spaces and their health. The roof garden was then designed with the goal of improving health. The newly constructed integrative health facility also includes a gym, a demo kitchen, and wellness programming.

Results

The literature review revealed major design criteria as well as specific elements that were associated with healing open spaces. The focus group research identified the community members’ vision for the space’s use and also identified important natural and cultural design elements that would positively impact community member’s experience in the space.

Conclusions

The process developed made it possible and warranted to connect scientific research with local realities in planning and designing a green open space targeting improvements in user’s health and well-being. The combination of an available rooftop, an evidence-based design, and an interested funder create an outstanding opportunity to measure how a green space in a heavily developed urban area can impact health outcomes.