Contact: Scott Frank
202-626-7467
sfrank@aia.org

For immediate release:
Washington, D.C. – May 26, 2009 – “The report from the American Academy of Pediatrics spotlights the effect that community and neighborhood design has on children’s opportunities for physical activity,” said Christine McEntee, Executive Vice President / CEO of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). “There is evidence that neighborhood design can help mitigate growing childhood obesity, diabetes, asthma and hypertension rates that are reaching alarming levels. This topic needs greater national attention and we hope that state and local governments strongly consider the legislative recommendations included in the report.”

For additional information, see the chapter on Physical health and Community Design in the AIA Livability 101 resource or visit the AIA Center for Communities by Design.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.