Health is Material to Design

The manufacture, use, and disposal of building productshas profound effects on human and naturalecosystem health and is a realm where the architectcan exert significant influence. In the broadintersection of health and design, material selectionis a critical issue which can serve a vital role incomprehensive design for well-being. However, thepractice of incorporating and institutionalizing thepotential human health impacts of building productsinto architectural design has yet to be fully realized.Further understanding and research is necessary todevelop methods to factor emerging human healthand environmental concerns around certain buildingproduct ingredients and cradle to grave environmentalimpacts into the design process. Ultimately,quantifiable human health and environmentalimpacts will likely become a standard part of themany complex factors considered when selectingbuilding products in design and construction.This paper assesses the state of the industry withregards to safer material selection in architecturaldesign as exemplified through case studies, the resultsof a stakeholder survey of current design firm practices,and practitioner experience. Through our analysis, weexplore methods of successfully institutionalizing thevalue of health and well-being as an important factorof material selection in design practice.

Volume Editors
Billie Faircloth, Howard Frumkin & Sara Jensen Carr

ISBN
978-1-944214-09-8