Americans spend 87% of their time indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Americans spend 87% of their time indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Unfortunately, many buildings contribute to depression, stress, poor health and absenteeism, say Stanford engineers Sarah Billington and James Landay. Cut off from fresh air, sunlight and any hint of nature, many office workers are surrounded by fluorescent glare, artificial materials and random noise.
Billington and Landay are leading an interdisciplinary research project on using architectural and digital innovations to change that. Better building designs could include new ways to bring the outdoors inside, such as with modular “plant walls” and other natural materials. Digital features might include lighting that mimics sunlight streaming through a forest. The two discussed their work in a recent presentation. Below are highlights.
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