---
title: "Navigating Architecture: Active Design"
description: The architecture school on the University of Michigan campus is located a bit far from the central campus most are familiar with - the one that holds
---

[Custom Home Building & Remodeling Blog - Meadowlark Design+Build - Ann Arbor, MI ](https://www.meadowlarkbuilders.com/blog)

# [Navigating Architecture: Active Design](https://www.meadowlarkbuilders.com/blog/navigating-architecture-active-design)

 Written by [Meadowlark Design+Build](https://www.meadowlarkbuilders.com/blog/author/meadowlark-builders) | Aug 14, 2014

The [architecture school](https://taubmancollege.umich.edu/) on the University of Michigan campus is located a bit far from the central campus most are familiar with – the one that holds [what seems like] millions on Saturdays during football season. The architecture, engineering, and music schools are located on North Campus, roughly 1-1/2 miles from Central Campus.

While I was attending classes on North Campus, I was challenged by a fellow student to ride my bicycle. I was even provided with fenders to ward off any excuse I could have in combating rain and succumbing to taking the bus. Riding my bike did more than save me plenty of parking tickets – it promoted a healthy, active lifestyle and a feeling of accomplishment.

As an exercise enthusiast, I went from running marathons to competing in Ironman triathlons. Juggling this with a full-time job forced me to optimize every minute of every day: running during lunch breaks, continuing to ride my bike to work, waking up early to run, swim or go to the gym.

So when I heard the NPR special about “Active Design” I was immediately attentive. Mixing exercise with design is something I am passionate about. The episode discusses architects in New York City and their desire to conquer America’s obesity issue by integrating exercise into architecture – specifically into the design concept of stairs and promoting their use instead of taking the elevator – for those who are able.

I recommend giving the episode a [listen at the NPR blog](http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/08/04/337126235/one-step-to-combat-obesity-make-stairs-more-attractive). You can learn more about Active Design by visiting their website, and I highly recommend you check out their didactic graph documenting obesity in the United States. Now experience architecture one step at a time and reap the health rewards!

### By [Melissa Kennedy](https://www.meadowlarkbuilders.com/people/melissa-kennedy)

[View full post](https://www.meadowlarkbuilders.com/blog/navigating-architecture-active-design)

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