Our Mission + History
Winnersh Triangle, Reading, United Kingdom | Image Courtesy of Frasers Property UKOur Mission
The Center for Active Design (CfAD) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to using design and operational tactics to foster healthy and engaged communities.
Established in New York City by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2012, CfAD emerged as a response to the growing recognition that our built environment has a significant impact on public health outcomes. Our mission is to transform the way we think about, design, and manage our built environment, with the goal of improving health and well-being.
At CfAD, we believe that spaces designed with people in mind have the power to inspire healthier lifestyles, support mental health, increase social interaction and community engagement, and promote equity.
GHG | BIG | © Jens Markus Lindhe Our work is grounded in evidence-based research that connects the dots between the built environment and health, and we translate this research into practical solutions that can be implemented across various sectors. Anyone who touches our built environment, whether an architect, facility manager, developer, policy maker, investor, and the list goes on, has a profound impact on human health and we are here as a guide to help maximize the positive impact our spaces and places can have on the communities they serve.
Our Approach
As champions for a healthier built environment, we collaborate with a diverse range of partners, including architects, urban planners, public health professionals, developers, investors, and policymakers, to ensure that health-promoting design and operational strategies are integrated into buildings, neighborhoods, and cities.
Our work spans a variety of focus areas, including education, applied research, and action. Through our innovative initiatives and programs, we provide tools and resources that help communities across the globe create spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but also enhance physical activity, reduce stress, foster social connections, and ultimately create long-term value and reduced risk.
Buckingham County Schools | © Alan KarchmerJoin Us
CfAD invites you to join us in our mission to harness the power of the built environment to create healthier, more equitable communities. Whether you are a developer, architect, urban planner, or simply someone passionate about creating a better future, there are numerous ways to get involved and make an impact.
Click here for more details on how to get involved.