Improving Public Health Through Community Design | Gary Gaston | TEDxNashvilleSalon

The shape that we give to our city, in turn shapes us. In this TEDx talk, "Improving Public Health Through Community Design,
Citizen Engagement, and the Built Environment," Gary Gaston, CEO of the Nashville Civic Design Center, discusses epiphany, public health, the built environment, and how youth-centric civic engagement and community-based design practices are making an impact in Nashville, TN. Gary Gaston is the executive director of the nonprofit Nashville Civic Design Center, which works to envision the future of Nashville’s built environment and promote public participation in the design process. Gaston also serves as a lecturer at UTK College of Architecture + Design. He has a M.Ed. in Community Development and Action from Vanderbilt University.

Gary has led numerous planning and design efforts for the organization, including NCDC’s visionary The Plan of Nashville and the National Endowment for the Arts funded documentary film Design Your Neighborhood. He was the project director and co-author of Shaping the Healthy Community: The Nashville Plan, published by Vanderbilt University Press in April 2016.

[Lui_okay]

I appreciated the quote "the shape we give our city in turn shapes us." This is to transform cities to fix unclean water, air and much more. This opens up the opportunity to see what can be fixed within the environment such as access to housing, food, open spaces in parks etc. This video is meant to rethink how we structure our spaces for better health outcomes, making it a compelling discussion for anyone interested in public health and urban design.

[melanyinoa]

I believe its important to also ensure that spaces are accessible to all, including people with disabilities, and also the elderly community. By doing this we can create healthier, more resilient populations. We want everyone to feel welcomed and accepted in every community.

[BerlinTerrero-ovcm]

It's interesting to know that we can build communities that are more equitable and healthier by focusing on those aspects. Now I have a better understanding of all the changes the city is implementing.

[sofiakim]

Wonderful job Gary! This is what I want to do too and so happy to see a precedent case. Wish I lived in Nashville! Congrats and keep up the good work!

[jeanhimmelstein]

Childhood obesity is a big issue still all over. That is because in our environment we have a lot of fast-food restaurants not so far from each other. Our environment is what helps us keep mentally and healthy well. I would have to agree with the slogan " The shape we give our city in turn shapes us". That is an amazing transformation. It does remind me of the transformation Manhattan took from where it was in the 1970's to now. There is a dramatic change. Is it truly a healthier and sustainable environment. I would have to say we have a long way.

[scottmoir]

Excellent job, Gary. Excited for you and the Work you guys are doing! Congratulations!

[brightibezim]

This is very true. There is a big relationship between how we plan our cities and public health. Public health goes beyound stocking hospitals with drugs and injecting people with vacines.