design the unseen
OUR VISION + MISSION INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Decisions we make about how buildings and cities are designed, constructed and managed have significant implications for our own health, and for the health of our planet. The Institute for Health in the Built Environment advances, integrates, and applies new knowledge from diverse scientific disciplines to support a healthy, thriving community and planet. Our mission is to develop new design concepts for the realization of healthy and sustainable inhabited space. We do this by forming unconventional collaborations that conduct research where architecture, biology, medicine, chemistry and engineering intersect and translate it into design practice through a consortium of invested industry partners with applied impact.
DESIGN THE UNSEEN INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Typically, architects and designers focus on designing physical space while scientists focus on understanding the unknown and unseen. Often, these lines of vision and discovery do not cross. In contrast, the Institute for Health in the Built Environment integrates designers, scientists and industry partners with diverse backgrounds to explore together the unseen elements of our built environment, including the indoor microbiome, air, chemistry, thermal and visual comfort, perception, psychologic and physiologic response, to understand how to better design for health, energy and evolution. We use science to design the unseen.
DESIGN FOR HEALTH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT We understand and design for acute dangers in the built environment, such as requiring fire sprinklers; however, we don’t often design for chronic dangers, such as low dose effects of indoor chemicals and contaminants or increased carbon emissions, because they are unseen. The effects are subtle, but destructive. They affect us through increased risk of cancer, inflammation, immunological disturbances, cognition, stress and a warming climate. The Institute is investigating and impacting the design of unseen elements in the built environment, from energy use to microbial ecology, chemistry, comfort, psychological perception, acoustics and carbon balance to improve human health.
DESIGN FOR EVOLUTION INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Our habitat is changing. In the developed world, we spend more than 90 percent of our lives indoors, often in urban areas with little connection to natural systems in which humans evolved. Our built environment has evolved to be highly engineered, segregated from nature, and even virtual. Human biology has not evolved as quickly as built environments, which results in what evolutionary medicine has termed “mismatch diseases,� diseases resulting from our ancient human biology adapting poorly to new environments. Examples include: allergies and autoimmune diseases due to reduced exposure of our immune system to good bacteria, diabetes and obesity due to environments in which we are more sedentary, or anxiety and depression from chronic stressors in our environment. The Institute is investigating our built environment to develop design strategies that reduce energy use while connecting us to an evolutionary past and healthy future.
DESIGN ON THE FRONTIER INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT On the frontier, you work together to create new opportunities and possibilities. This pioneer ethos is the foundation of Oregon’s collaborative spirit and a reason we are successful at solving challenges. Climate change, population growth, diminishing resources and human health are challenges on the new frontier and we must continue to innovate solutions by working together to design for health, design for evolution and design the unseen. Collaborating with communities, municipalities, and academic and industry partners, the Institute for Health in the Built Environment advances, integrates, and applies new knowledge from diverse scientific disciplines to support a healthy, thriving community and planet.
UNCONVENTIONAL DESIGN TOOLS INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Trace paper, thick black markers, wood models and coffee are indispensable in the genesis of an idea. However, many elements we experience in the built environment can’t be seen. Whether energy, microbes, chemicals, or sound, the unseen has a profound impact on our own health, experience and energy use in the built environment. It’s time we design for it. We have the unique toolsets to visualize, understand, simulate and shape it. These include: microbial DNA sequencing, metagenomics, gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, climate chamber, wind tunnel, virtual reality and acoustic equipment.
Medicine Environmental Science Physiology Psychology Engineering Chemistry
COLLABORATING RESEARCH LABS
Ventilation Net Zero Energy Thermal Comfort Integrated Design Acoustics
ENERGY STUDIES IN BUILDINGS LABORATORY Design | Engineering Construction Manufacturers Non-Profits Municipalities
Biology Indoor Ecology | Microbiome Computational Biology Microbial Networks Infection
BUILD HEALTH INDUSTRY CONSORTIUM
BIOLOGY AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT CENTER Daylighting Virtual Reality Circadian Mood/Simulation
BAKER LIGHTING LABORATORY
FUTURE AFFILIATES *For a current list of industry members, affiliates and collaborating labs, please visit buildhealth.uoregon.edu
MEMBER1,2
YEAR 1
Large Business
$35,000
Small Business A+E Firms
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 +
$40,000
$45,000
$50,000
$15,000
$20,000
$22,500
$25,000
$5,000
$6,000
$7,000
$7,500
1 Large/Small business designation determined by SBA Table of Small Business Standards 2 12% Multi-year discount available
AFFILIATEÂł
$2,500
3 Or equivalent in contract research
BUILD HEALTH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Become a member of Build Health Industry Consortium! We have multiple research engagement models depending on your desired research needs, deliverables and IP requirements. However, membership in the Build Health industry research consortium is an opportunity for partnership with ongoing dialogue and idea generation ahead of your competition. + Pioneer future high impact research + Attend annual consortium content meeting and board meeting to innovate across disciplines + Exclusive access to cutting-edge researchers and facilities + Monthly conference calls with research updates + Access to workshops, training and seminars + Receive quarterly published research reports + Engage with hours of student work through course content + Access to on-demaind webinars, tools, calculators, guides, whitepapers and manuals
WHO WE ARE - STAFF INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg
Jessica Green
G.Z. Brown
Siobhan Rockcastle
Mark Fretz
Jeff Kline
Dale Northcutt
Jason Stenson
Aurora Ginzburg
Alen Mahic
Gwynne Mhuireach
Paul Ward
Associate Professor, Department of Architecture Director, Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory Co-Director, Biology and the Built Environment
Associate Director of Knowledge Exchange, Department of Architecture
Post Doctoral Scholar, Chemistry, IHBE
Professor, Department of Biology Co-Director, Biology and the Built Environment
Senior Research Associate Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory
Research Assistant Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory
Founding Director, Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory Philip H. Knight Professor, Department of Architecture
Senior Research Assistant II Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory
Post Doctoral Scholar Landscape Architecture, BioBE
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture Director, Baker Laboratory
Senior Research Assistant I Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory
Research Assistant Professor Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory
WHO WE ARE - STUDENTS INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Willem Griffiths
Alida Bevirt
Nicklaus McGuire
Daniel Hundley
Graduate Research Assistant ESBL, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant ESBL, University of Oregon
Lily Summers
Olivia Bain
Chelsey Effinger
Samantha Velazquez
Catherine Earley
Gloria Morazan
Alex Balog
Delaney Hetrick
Research Assistant BioBE, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant IHBE, Portland, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant IHBE, University of Oregon
Office Specialist ESBL, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant IHBE, Portland, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant IHBE, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant ESBL, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant ESBL, University of Oregon
Undergraduate Research Assistant BioBE, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant Department of Architecture
WHO WE ARE - STUDENTS INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Sam Rosenberg
Mira Zimmerman
Georgia MacCrone
Undergraduate Research Assistant BioBE, University of Oregon
Julia May
Web Designer and Blogger IHBE, BioBE, ESBL, University of Oregon
Susie Nunez
Evon Calabrese
Megan Danell
Carolina da Silva Correa Leite
Savanna Lloyd
Kathy RodrĂguez Escamilla
Patrick Horve
Undergraduate Research Assistant BioBE, ESBL University of Oregon
Undergraduate Research Assistant BioBE, University of Oregon
Undergraduate Research Assistant BioBE, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant Baker Lab, University of Oregon
Undergraduate Research Assistant BioBE, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant Baker Lab, University of Oregon
Undergraduate Research Assistant BioBE, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant ESBL, University of Oregon
Graduate Research Assistant ESBL, University of Oregon
WHO WE ARE - COLLABORATORS INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Ashkaan Fahimipour
Sue Ishaq
Robert Martindale
Oregon Health Sciences University Chief of the Division of GI and General Surgery Professor of Surgery
Laszlo Kiraly
University of Maine, Orono Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Sciences
Matthew Butler
Andrew McHill
Christopher Minson
Erica Hartmann
Elliott Gall
Curtis Huttenhower
Rolf Halden
Deb Johnson-Shelton
Computational Biologist University of California Davis
Oregon Health Sciences University Butler Clock Physiology Laboratory Assistant Professor
Portland State University College of Engineering & Computer Science Assistant Professor
Oregon Health Sciences University Shea Laboratory Research Assistant Professor
Harvard University Professor of Computational Biology
University of Oregon Department of Physiology Kenneth and Kenda Singer Professor of Human Physiology
Arizona State University Director of Biodesign Institute of Environmental Security
Oregon Health Sciences University Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Associate Professor of Surgery
Northwestern University Professor of Civil/Environmental Engineering
Oregon Research Institute Associate Research Scientist
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Mass Timber Acoustic Performance Funded by Oregon Economic Development Authority with TallWood Design Institute The use of mass timber panels is becoming a popular choice for construction due to concerns about climate change, resource sustainability, the need for construction efficiencies and the human biophilic affinity for wood. Using industry standards as a starting point for designing a series of floor and wall assemblies, we hope to find high performing cost-effective acoustic solutions for mass timber assemblies that can be readily adopted by design teams and jurisdictional authorities.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Healthcare-Associated Infections + Architecture Funded by UO-OHSU Presidential Award The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation IHBE Industry Consortium The highly collaborative study for healthcareassociated infections and its relationship to the architecture is ongoing. We are working with OHSU to collect samples from patients and their room at the time of diagnosis, as well as before and after room cleaning post discharge to analyze if factors of the built environment (light, materials, etc.) encourage Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Dark Side of the Room Funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation IHBE Industry Consortium IHBE researchers recently submitted this proposal to build on the initial pilot study findings of daylight’s ability to affect the composition of bacteria in household dust. This proposal, if funded, will allow us to better understand the role of LED lighting and spectrum, as well as the circadian effect of light on microbes indoors.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Residential Shade Study Funded by IHBE Industry Consortium Window coverings (blinds, curtains, shades) are used to modulate comfort and views in and out of windows and have multiple and nuanced impacts on both health and energy. We are researching whether circadian health, especially for individuals with Alzheimers disease and related dementias, can be improved by changing the timing and duration of window covering deployment.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT On-going Building Commissioning Funded by Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance + UO Campus Planning and Facilities Management IHBE Industry Consortium The University of Oregon recommissioning team has developed and is testing a general model for a continuous commissioning process in order to reduce energy, while maintaining appropriate human comfort levels. The project began with the Hedco building, and more recently has been working with Lillis Hall turning the UO Eugene Campus into a living laboratory.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Luminaire Level Lighting Control Funded by Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance ESBL continues exploring the energy and cost savings potential of Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLC) technologies as a one-for-one lighting retrofit solution, which is a light-touch renovation strategy where existing lighting fixtures are swapped for LLLC equivalent fixtures. This means that existing wiring and spatial layouts can be preserved while more efficient lighting fixtures and controls are implemented, and also cuts down on installation time and cost.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Light + Healthy Aging Funded by IHBE Industry Consortium We are beginning to research the role that light plays in our health and issues associated with aging. We are especially keen on working in this area since the provision of light, especially daylight, dramatically affects energy consumption and therefore climate change, and is a fundamental concern of architectural design. Currently, we are building relationships with owners and design teams of supportive living facilities for collaborative design and research projects.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Virtual Reality + Thermal Comfort Funded by IHBE Industry Consortium UO Department of Architecture This student group investigated the effect of design and visual perception on thermal comfort. They were specifically interested with the use of nature views and biophilic materials as an influencing factor in the adaptive thermal comfort model, thereby allowing a wider range of ambient building temperatures to afford occupant comfort.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Building Materials and Microbiome Funded by USDA with TallWood Design Institute and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation We are researching how building material type influences microorganisms in the built environment. The lab is employing a combination of analytical methods to provide a thorough characterization of the interaction between microbes and building materials, and reveal how those building materials shape the resulting indoor microbiome.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Universal Design for Healthy Aging Funded by Tinker Hatfield Innovation in Design Award The U.S. population of people over the age of 65 is a growing demographic. In the winter of 2020 we will be investigating ways to enhance the health of this population through a collaboration between product, architecture, interior architecture and art to address the concept of “mobility, memory and metrics” through a Universal Design lens and crossdisciplinary perspective.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Wearables: Behavior + Environment Funded by IHBE Industry Consortium IHBE research labs Baker, BioBE and ESBL are collaborating with the Department of Management, Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon to write and submit proposals that intend to investigate how indoor environmental factors, such as light and air affect human behavior in buildings. Components of this work are currently being piloted through student daylighting research.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Probiotic + HVAC for Energy Conservation Funded by the IHBE Industry Consortium Biofilm build-up in HVAC systems effectively reduces the available opening area of a duct, decreasing the energy efficiency as well as has a negative impact on heat transfer, system longevity, and indoor air quality. The lab is writing a proposal to study the efficacy of recently developed probiotic cleaning solutions in reducing biofilm build up and improving energy performance in HVAC systems.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Mass Timber IEQ Funded by TallWood Design Institute, USDA Agricultural Research Service The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Portland State University The use of mass timber panels is becoming a popular choice for construction due to concerns about climate change, resource sustainability, the need for construction efficiencies and the human biophilic affinity for wood. Using industry standards as a starting point for designing a series of floor and wall assemblies, we hope to find high performing cost-effective acoustic solutions for mass timber assemblies that can be readily adopted by design teams and jurisdictional authorities.
CURRENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Acoustic Chamber Funded by Business Oregon, US Forest Service, TallWood Design Institute Thanks to the support of our industry partners, collaborators at OSU and the U.S. Forest Service, the Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory was awarded two research proposals to develop an acoustic test facilty that can accommodate mass timber wall and floor assemblies.
Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, PhD
Director, Institute for Health in the Built Environment Director, Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory Co-Director, Biology and the Built Environment Center Associate Professor of Architecture
Mark Fretz
Associate Director of Knowledge Exchange Institute for Health in the Built Environment mfretz@uoregon.edu 503 412 3656 | cell 503 539 0033
College of Design | Portland 105A White Stag Building 70 NW Couch Street University of Oregon Portland, Oregon 97209
College of Design | Eugene 103 Pacific Hall University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-5231
buildhealth.uoregon.edu