Overview of Changing the Physical Structure of the Community

What do we mean by changing the physical structure of the community? The built environment is composed of those physical features of the community created or changed by people. The natural environment is composed of those physical elements of the community that existed before people came, or have been reclaimed by nature.

Changing the physical structure of either the built or natural environment involves: Building, installing, or creating something new Altering something that already exists Destroying or eliminating something The community should be viewed as a whole when considering changing physical structure.

Why would you change the physical structure of the community? Health promotion and disease prevention Safety/security Increasing community pride and changing attitudes Assuring access for people with disabilities Transportation Conservation of natural resources Economic development

Why would you change the physical structure of the community? Restoration/expansion of green space Environmental protection Meeting community members’ housing needs Expanding opportunity for low-income residents Historic preservation Encouragement of arts and culture Providing aesthetic experience Recreation

Why would you change the physical structure of the community? Physical comfort Encouraging social interaction Addressing social problems and concerns, such as diversity and racial harmony Equity

When would you try to change the physical structure of the community? When a new development or project is starting When funding is available for a project, with the stipulation that planning has to involve the community When a particular issue suddenly rises to the top of the public consciousness When someone is negotiating with the community about changes, especially if those changes will inconvenience it When a problem has become too serious to ignore

Who should be involved in changing the physical structure of the community? Community members Policy makers and public officials Business community Corporations Developers

How do you change the physical structure of the community? You might change the physical structure of the built environment by building or adding, altering, or eliminating: Housing Commercial buildings and development Industrial buildings and development Office and government buildings Cultural centers Recreation and entertainment complexes Historic buildings and monuments Educational facilities

How do you change the physical structure of the community? You might change the physical structure of the built environment by building or adding, altering, or eliminating: Spaces around buildings Parks Pedestrian areas Waterfronts Neighborhood spaces Vacant lots Public art City streets

How do you change the physical structure of the community? You might change the physical structure of the built environment by building or adding, altering, or eliminating: Placement and maintenance of roads and train tracks Public transportation The creation of walking and bike trails Electricity, telephone, water, and gas lines

Changes in physical structure that directly affect the natural environment include: Open space preservation Reclamation of environmentally damaged areas Prevention of pollution Correction of pollution problems Sustaining the effort.

In Summary The built and natural environments together make up the physical structure of a community. By changing that structure, you may be able to change community members’ attitudes, behaviors, prospects for health and well-being, economic opportunity, social interactions, and quality of life. It’s one of the ways to approach creating a healthy community.