I recently had the pleasure of being a guest speaker at Sporta’s AGM. The theme was the challenge to get people more active. Dr Andrew Murray, an advisor to the Scottish government, delivered an amusing and informative talk with an evidence-based approach about the importance of getting people active. There were also inspiring examples of organisations delivering fantastic programmes and making a real difference. But where does design fit into this and how can facilities be made more attractive to non-sporty people?

Unfortunately, hard evidence as to the beneficial role good design plays is hard to come by and is an area which would benefit from further research. There are, however, many good examples of new facilities which have drastically increased throughput, compared with the ageing facilities they have replaced. New and refurbished facilities provide the quality of environment that people now experience and expect in many walks of life, such as the workplace, retail and other forms of leisure and entertainment. Investment in sports facilities is also necessary to improve accessibility for disadvantaged people.

A welcoming atmosphere with direct line of sight to most of the activities on offer and clarity of circulation should be a prerequisite. Engaging in crossover activities is a great way to make better use of facilities and to break down barriers. Participating in one activity may provide inspiration to build confidence and take part in other health-related activities.

FaulknerBrowns have just completed a new community hub in Hebburn where customer services and a library are ‘wrapped’ in wet and dry sports facilities. A customer enquiry can be followed by an ‘inquisitive’ swim! Where tentative steps are made to engage in one activity, having sight of other, perhaps slightly more ambitious, activities, opens up the entire facility. This is especially true where there are suitable social spaces to increase confidence and the ability to engage with a wider spectrum of users.

In my last column, I mentioned the role of education in sport. Highly beneficial relationships can be achieved between spaces for activity and learning environments at all stages in the education process, if this is considered carefully at the outset. Investing in good design adds value and creates spaces which are accessible to a wider range of users. At multi-sport facilities, innovative thinking will encourage the move from one activity to another.

The crossover into other sectors is also increasingly important in appealing to non-participants. The commercial leisure sector can enhance more active lifestyles and there are now greater opportunities to mix retail with health-related activities. Integrated landscape and park spaces with a mix of commercial leisure are likely to be part of the future. The case for an active nation is clear. The design of our buildings needs to be an enabler, not a hindrance.