OVERVIEW
Design and building professionals: you’re on call. Health is not just about the doctors and nurses; interior spaces, buildings, and communities have far-reaching impacts on wellness. Design choices can:
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help prevent mold and moisture issues
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provide fresh air
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ensure access to clean drinking water
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prevent exposure to toxic chemicals
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encourage fitness
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support healthy circadian rhythms
Too often, though, our buildings do the opposite. These articles lay out best practices for health-focused design, based on sound scientific research.
IN-DEPTH
Filter results:
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Lighting Design for Health and Sustainability: A Guide for Architects
July 9, 2018Feature Article
A report providing architects guidance on how to design sustainable lighting that supports health and wellness while reducing energy use.
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A Chemical Database and Discussion Group in One
July 9, 2018News Brief
The Chemical Hazard Data Commons is a resource on toxic chemicals for geeks and newbies alike.
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Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design: The Goals Are Aligned
October 6, 2017Feature Article
Green building is not just for those with means.
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The Sound of Sustainability: Acoustics in High-Performance Design
September 6, 2017Feature Article
Acoustic performance is often overlooked by human-centered design. A holistic approach shows how to navigate the complexities of “sustainable acoustics.”
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Pest Prevention: Steps Designers Can Take
December 5, 2016Feature Article
Integrated pest management (IPM) design strategies can reduce structural damage and unsanitary conditions, and improve our community’s health.
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Why Chemical Transparency Matters
November 2, 2015Feature Article
You can’t manage what you don’t measure—especially if you don’t know it exists in the first place.
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Finding Furniture Without Toxic Flame Retardants
April 6, 2015Feature Article
Flame retardants in upholstered furniture are easier to avoid under new rules, but they’re not gone. Here’s how to navigate the changing landscape.
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The PVC Debate: A Fresh Look
February 3, 2014Feature Article
PVC is banned by some green building programs and simply reviled by some groups. How did we get here, and has anything changed since vinyl became the enemy?
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Green Design: What’s Love Got to Do with It?
December 2, 2013Feature Article
Beauty, place-making, and even love are motivating many green designers, who see these values complementing core sustainability tenets.
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Can We Replace Foam Insulation?
June 27, 2013Feature Article
There are a lot of reasons to avoid foam, but its high performance can make it a hard habit to kick, as designers are finding out.
