Mariposa Healthy Living Toolkit (Mithun, 2012)

The Mariposa Healthy Living Tool is an evidence-based guide to integrate health into real estate. Mithun developed it for Mariposa Redevelopment where health is part of all decisions – from planning to property management. Using design thinking, Mithun translated public health research and methods into an accessible, integrated process for developers and designers to baseline indicators, prioritize, and implement project strategies for wellbeing.

Mariposa’s intentional health-promoting design elements and programs are dramatically improving residents’ quality of life. Community members have logged thousands of hours in walking groups, activities, and nutrition education, and describe a sense of belonging. Since moving in, they report losing significant weight and no longer needing maintenance medication.