Environmental Design for Health: A Framework and Visual Guide

This book provides a user-friendly guide to the impact of environmental design on individual and population health, as well as the relevant roles of social and behavioral factors. It explores how architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban planning can contribute to a healthier, more equitable, and more resilient society. Employing an evidence-based and solution-oriented approach, it provides a much-needed textbook for environmental designers and public health professionals. Written by a team of established experts, the book includes: An introduction to the concept of environmental design for health and the relevant roles of social and behavioral factors. An overview of important theories about human-environment relationships; environmental assessment, perception and cognition; and health behavior. Discussions of how to design for physical, mental, and social health, respectively, covering various design disciplines and environmental scales. Overviews of more specialized topics, such as design for healing, design for active living, design for environmental justice, and design across the lifespan. Case studies involving a range of physical environments including interiors and buildings (e.g., healthcare facilities, senior living environments, educational facilities), parks, urban spaces, and residential communities. A timely focus on emerging technology which affects design for health. An overview of integrating design and research for a healthier future. It is essential reading for all environmental designers and public health professionals.