2005 - Issue 1

In this issue, we present diverse research findings, yet one underlying theme for the issue is how good design increases wellbeing.

For most buyers, their image of home includes its neighborhood. Several new studies investigate homeowner preferences for traditional or neotraditonal neighborhoods, suburban-style neighborhoods, and open space conservation neighborhoods to determine factors that affect home preference and price.

The two sets of items presented in the included lists approach the issue of quality of design and building from two different and diametrically opposed positions:  the "Top 10 Problems in Building Performance" represent the cumulative experience of the author over a period of 40 years, while "The Seven Principles of Universal Design" resulted from the deliberations by members of the Center for Universal Design.

There is a great obstacle for children of all abilities reaching their objective of engaged play.  It is an element within the playground under the exclusive control of adults – surfacing!

A classic article on the environmental effects of noise found that noise levels typical of open offices increases stress.

Several recently published reviews that examine the research literature provide information about the appropriate design of health care environments. Taken together, they are a useful and up-to-date starting point on approaching this research.

A new review has combed the available research literature to collect information relevant to the design of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

The Wall Street Journal reports that homeowners are becoming increasingly interested in custom designing aspects of their home.

A new study has quantified reductions in worker performance related to cooler temperatures in a workspace.

Researchers have been investigating event-places, "which make powerful linkages between physical and social phenomena."