Design For Health

by sueishaq
| September 30, 2017 |

 

We understand and design for acute dangers in the built environment, such as requiring fire sprinklers; however, we don’t often design for chronic dangers, such as low dose effects of indoor chemicals and contaminants or increased carbon emissions, because they are unseen. The effects are subtle, but destructive. They affect us through increased risk of cancer, inflammation, immunological disturbances, cognition, stress and a warming climate. The Institute is investigating and impacting the design of unseen elements in the built environment, from energy use to microbial ecology, chemistry, comfort, psychological perception, acoustics and carbon balance to improve human health.

 

Bacteria on Classroom Surfaces Vary With Human Contact

  The microorganisms inside the built environment often come from the occupants inside- mostly humans, pets, and plants.  How we shape and operate the spaces in that built environment, and how we use the materials within that space, can affect the community of microorganisms living in a particular area, as well.  By taking swab samples […]

The Interplay of Light and Comfort

  Light has a huge impact on our lives; from our health, to our visual comfort and satisfaction with our local environment, to the way in which we behave indoors and operate our buildings.  The way we use, or don’t use, light in the built environment can vary dramatically, yet very often lighting design strategies […]

Ventilation Source Affects the Indoor Air Microbiome

  The two main sources of microorganisms indoors are the macroscopic occupants; people, pets, plants, and pests, and the environment outdoors, in particular – outdoor air.  When buildings are operated in a “closed mode”, they may utilize mechanical ventilation, recirculated air, and/or closed or inoperable windows.  If human occupants are present, operating a building in […]