Compiled by team I and renderings by 3d studio prins; courtesy of mecanoo. time to read: two minutes Mecanoo Architects have revealed their ideas for the world’s very first “blue zone,” which promises residents longer, healthier, and happier lives… There are five locations around the globe — Okinawa, Nicoya, Loma Linda, Sardinia, and Ikaria – in which a disproportionately high number of individuals enjoy extraordinarily long and healthy lives. The article “the secrets of a long life” that was published by dan buettner for National Geographic in 2005 and titled “the secrets of a long life” brought a great deal of attention to these regions on a global scale. According to the findings of the research conducted on the inhabitants’ behaviors that had a good impact on their health, there were nine similar traits. These nine healthy behaviors have been converted into four urban design concepts for the cartesiusdriehoek neighborhood in utrecht, the Netherlands. These themes include mobility, good eating, community and meaningfulness, and relaxation. The first urban blue zone will be established on a location that was formerly used by the Dutch railroads as a marshalling yard. The masterplan for this brand-new residential neighborhood includes the construction of 2,600 new dwellings, as well as a sizable central park, a school, a supermarket, and numerous other types of retail and food service establishments. The so-called “blue zones,” which are found all over the globe, are regions in which people tend to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. This idea got its start from a scientific premise. It is anticipated that the region would evolve into the Netherlands’ most environmentally friendly, well-connected to public transportation, and bicycle-friendly neighborhood. The master plan features a food hall with healthy catering facilities and restaurants that traverses the historic cab building (1949) as a green street and forms a connection with the cartesiuspark, the green heart of the neighborhood. the variety of functions in the transparent plinth activates the area on all sides of the building, making it an appealing meeting place for locals. A nine-story residential building may be found on the roof of the cab. The rectilinear substructure is set in stark opposition to the undulating balconies of this building, which creates an interesting visual effect. The area is envisioned as a bustling urban neighborhood with an abundance of greenery, and all urban facilities will be conveniently accessible. The primary forms of transportation will be walking and cycling. The topics of sustainability, new energy solutions, and sustainable (shared) transportation have received a lot of attention recently. The neighborhood has a wide range of housing options to accommodate a varied range of clientele, with about one quarter of the units designed for use as affordable rental housing. The project is now in the design phase, and it is anticipated that construction will begin in the year 2020. Please visit globalhop.indiaartndesign.com in order to see the photographs.