Question 1

What is the Health+Design Initiative?

Accepted Answer

The Health+Design Initiative (HDI) is a research and education program based at the University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture and Planning. It focuses on integrating health and wellness into the design, planning, and development of communities.

HDI develops practical tools, conducts studio research, and builds partnerships to help planners, designers, and decision-makers create healthier built environments throughout Colorado and beyond.

Question 2

What tools has HDI developed for practitioners?

Accepted Answer

HDI has developed several practical resources for planners and designers. The Health Assessment Lens is a structured evaluation tool organized around eight health categories that guides early-stage community assessment. The GuideBox to Healthy Places provides a complete set of facilitation materials for workshops and community meetings.

The Creating Healthy Places Guidebook compiles best practices and design interventions that support community health. These tools are available in print and digital formats for use by professionals and community organizations throughout Colorado.

Question 3

Who can use the GuideBox to Healthy Places?

Accepted Answer

The GuideBox is designed to be accessible to a wide range of users — from professional planners and architects to community organizers, public health workers, educators, and engaged residents. Its materials are adaptable for use in community meetings, professional workshops, university classrooms, and public presentations.

The GuideBox can be borrowed from partner organizations in the Colorado Healthy Places Collaborative network, or accessed online for free on this website. Both digital and printed versions contain identical content.

Question 4

What was the Colorado Health Foundation grant used for?

Accepted Answer

In 2016, the Colorado Health Foundation awarded a multi-year grant to the CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning to support the Creating Healthy Places through Transformational Education and Design project. The grant funded a series of interdisciplinary graduate studios, research teams, workshops, and the development of practical design tools.

The work involved architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, and public health students working together to study the Sun Valley neighborhood in west Denver as a case study community. Outcomes included the Healthy Design Pattern Book, the Healthy Communities Playbook, and the Creating Healthy Places Guidebook.

Question 5

How does HDI define a healthy community?

Accepted Answer

HDI approaches community health holistically, organizing it around eight interconnected categories: Equity and Justice, Human Wellbeing, Harmony with Nature, Education and Wellness, Economic Resiliency, Healthy Homes and Buildings, Healthy Community, and Healthy Connections. A healthy community is one where the built environment actively supports all of these dimensions.

This means considering everything from walkability and green space to housing quality, access to healthcare, economic opportunity, and social cohesion. The goal is a community where all residents — regardless of income, race, or background — have equal access to the conditions needed to thrive.

Question 6

How can my organization partner with the Health+Design Initiative?

Accepted Answer

HDI actively collaborates with the Colorado Healthy Places Collaborative, a network of nearly two dozen statewide and regional organizations committed to creating healthier places in Colorado. Partner organizations include AIA Colorado, APA Colorado, ASLA Colorado, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, the Colorado Health Foundation, and others.

Organizations interested in accessing GuideBox materials, collaborating on research, or participating in future workshops or symposia can contact HDI directly through the Contact page on this website. HDI welcomes partnerships with community organizations, public agencies, professional associations, and universities.

Health+Design Initiative

Creating Healthier Communities Through Design

Health Assessment Lens

GuideBox

Studio Research

Guidebook

Eight Health Categories

Healthy Places Projects

Studio & Research Projects

Creating Healthy Places

Communities in Transition

Download the Health Assessment Lens

Frequently Asked Questions