Winter 2008 Issue Cover Story Featured Stories PlaceCoach News Alerts Expert's Corner Book Reviews Editor's Commentary

Featured Stories Arguments for Biophilic Architecture Two recent sources review research that details how natural forms and images can enhance human functioning and reduce stress, and make appeals for architecture informed by that research. Bright Ambient Light and Dementia Being exposed to bright light at specific points during the day increases the length of time that people with dementia remain asleep at night. Facilitating Multi-Generational Interaction Design can address ways to spur interaction among people in different age groups. Coffee Shops that Encourage Socializing People visiting coffee shops can reap psychological benefits from their visits even if they do not actively socialize with other patrons. Sound and Space Sound can be used to define spaces at a room, building, or city level, with soundscapes affecting patterns of social association, physical movement and interaction. Classic Article: Designing Places To Experience Designers’ focus on creating experiences for users is relatively new. Understanding the Pressure on National Forests More people than ever are turning to the country’s national forests for recreation, and they’re bumping into each other—philosophically, if not literally. Citizen Planners Change the Landscape Well-intentioned citizens without any formal training in planning are responsible for thousands of land-use decisions every year. Expert's Corner Designing Spaces for Creative Work As the push for new ideas grows in every segment of society, there is increasing pressure for people to be creative during the work day. Generating new ideas is never easy, so it is important that physical environment support creative work. Editor's Commentary Dear Readers Our Research Design Connections blog is updated five times a week. PlaceCoach News Alerts Patient Art Preferences Hospitalized individuals have very particular preferences about the artwork they can see from their hospital beds. Cul-de-Sac vs. Grid Layouts: Advantages for Children Cul-de-sac neighborhoods increase play opportunities for younger children, while older children benefit from neighborhoods with grid layouts. Surprise! Visual–tactile incongruities can suprise us. Preferred Forms for Females and Males Men and women prefer different product forms. What’s Valued in Urban Green Space Urban green space is valued by those who use it, with different features being valued in parks of different sizes. Walking and Sociability Walkability has a modest association to the local sense of community. Measuring Perceived Crowding in Urban Forests Regular visitors inaccurately estimate urban forest crowding. Book Reviews Brandscapes: Architecture in the Experience Economy Klingmann comprehensively addresses the evolution of branded spaces and provides guidance to designers. Universal Design and Visitability: From Accessability to Zoning Universal design at an urban scale can potentially improve livability and quality of life for everyone.