I think you can understand what health is by considering the three main characteristics of healthy organisms – adaptability, creativity and engagement. In France, probably every town and every village has its “boulodrome” – a patch of sand where people play “petanque”. It seems completely informal. Just a space to use by whoever wants to use it. I think it’s a great example of designing social engagement into the spaces where people live.
Look at these guys enjoying themselves. It’s not hard to understand the importance of social engagement for human beings, is it?
Heroes Not Zombies 