Architecture as Public Health

While the term “architecture” often invokes ideas of visual design, buildings and cities are, of course, more than just static objects at which we look. We move in and out of them, interact with them – we live and breathe in them.

Now, with rising rates of obesity and chronic disease linked to sedentary lifestyles, architects are thinking even more about the ways in which people physically interact with (and are impacted by) the built environment.

Biomorphic Forms

As Frank Lloyd Wright matured in his practice, he coined the term “organic architecture” to describe his increasing desire to integrate the manmade and natural environments. In 1937, his Fallingwater home epitomized the concept: a house literally integrated with a waterfall.

Disaster Mitigation

Architects are all about building things. But in today’s world, they also must think about how to keep buildings and communities standing in the face of natural disasters, and how to rebuild when disaster strikes.

In recent years, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters have wiped out buildings and sometimes even entire communities in urban and rural environments, in both coastal and inland areas.

Very Small Homes

The rise of the “McMansion” during the last several decades shows little evidence of slowing. But for many people, when it comes to housing, bigger is not better, and a backlash movement has been advocating smaller and, in some cases, tiny homes.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a commendable goal. But what does it really mean to be green?

That question is answered in scrupulous detail by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED ratings provide builders with “a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.”

Modular and Prefab Construction

Not so long ago, the notion of modular or prefab buildings was synonymous with doublewide trailers and poor aesthetics. But today, modular buildings – homes, schools, and commercial buildings – are making a green comeback, gracing the covers of sleek design magazines and attracting a younger demographic that is passionate about lowering its environmental footprint.

This new breed of modular/prefab buildings comes with a green pedigree: sustainable, energy-efficient, and affordable.