Research Areas at DIHR

At the Design Institute for Health and Resilience (DIHR) the aim is to bridge the gap between innovative research and practical application, focusing on designing environments that enhance health and well-being. Our interdisciplinary approach brings together expertise from urban planning, architecture, public health, nursing, social work, and other fields to create data-driven, people-centered design solutions that foster resilience across communities. Our research is rooted in understanding how the built environment affects mental, physical, and emotional health. We focus on several key areas, each chosen for its potential to positively impact human well-being:

• Inclusive Design for Health and Well-being: Exploring how environmental design can support diverse populations and improve health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with cognitive challenges.
• Aging and Resilient Places: investigating how neighborhood planning and environmental design can help people age in place comfortably and safely. the goal is to develop evidence-based guidelines for creating environments that support aging populations, including those with cognitive impairments.
• Mental Health and the Built Environment: Exploring ways in which the built environment can influence mental health outcomes. From designing spaces that facilitate social connection to creating environments that reduce stress and anxiety. The aim in this research is to make mental health a priority in environmental design.
• Climate and Health: Examining the connections between climate, building materials, and human health. Finding pathways in which climate-resilient design can mitigate negative health impacts and promote sustainability, especially in communities most vulnerable to environmental hazards.
• Educational and Therapeutic Environments: Exploring how educational and therapeutic spaces can be designed to meet the needs of diverse populations, including individuals with autism and those recovering from mental health challenges. This research aims to make these spaces supportive and conducive to positive health outcomes.
• Community Health and Engagement: Supporting community-driven health initiatives through innovative environmental design and bridging healthcare and community spaces to enhance health accessibility and equity.