This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Committee on the Environment and Academy of Architecture for Health .
-------------------------------------------
How does place design influence human behavior and health? How can physical environments enhance lives?
The architecture of buildings, landscapes, and interiors is sensual, influencing our physical, social, and emotional health-be it for good or ill. At their best, environments inspire, empower, and encourage. At their worst, environments depress, restrict, and isolate.
Buildings can go a long way to prevent disease by averting the spread of infections or accidents. While we typically think of a "caregiver" in terms of a healthcare provider, it is also the architect's responsibility to provide "care" and help restore health and promote recuperation. Environments can support caregivers' activities at every step of the process, greatly expanding their power to heal. The physical environment can comfort patients, strengthen their physical and emotional condition, provide hope, and alleviate fear.
We invite you to contribute to the development of policies & practices that support health and well-being through environmental design research by submitting a proposal to present at EDRA44Providence, the annual conference of the Environmental Design Research Association, May 29-June 1, 2013. Co-sponsored by the Rhode Island Department of Health, EDRA44Providence theme, "Healthy + Healing Places", has a special focus on health policy implications for environmental design.
The deadline for oral presentation submissions is September 21, 2012. Visit www.edra.org/edra44providence to learn more.
-------------------------------------------
Kate O'Donnell
Executive Director
Environmental Design Research Association
Mclean VA
-------------------------------------------