Recent Scent Related Research – Peppermint and Ylang-Ylang (4-15-08)
Recent research in the United Kingdom has found that the aroma of peppermint enhances memory, while the smell of ylang-ylang has the opposite effect.
Improve Mood/Increase Feelings of Wellbeing
Simulating Daylighting (4-07-08)
Researchers at the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada have developed a new, streamlined way to simulate the complex ways that daylight influences light levels in rooms with “dissimilar dynamic complex fenestration systems (such as windows with movable shadings) whose optical behavior (transmission, reflection and scattering) may change during simulation.”
Symbolism in Childcare Centers (4-04-08)
The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) has comprehensively reviewed the features of childcare centers that optimize physiological and psychological experiences for children under 5 and their caregivers.
Emotional Response to Paintings (3-31-08)
People who can more accurately mark the midpoint of horizontal lines are more moved emotionally by abstract paintings.
Danger Signals in the Environment and Fairness Judgments (3-21-08)
People exposed to danger signals in their environments make more extreme judgments of the fairness of situations that are not in any way related to the danger signal than people not exposed to the same signals.
Space Design Tools (3-20-08)
Canada’s National Research Council Institute for Research in Construction (NRC-IRC) has developed a suite of space design software tools that are available free or for a nominal fee at their website (archived: https://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/achievements/highlights/2007/daylight_aut...).
Arguments for Biophilic Architecture
Two recent sources review research that details how natural forms and images can enhance human functioning and reduce stress, and make appeals for architecture informed by that research.
Optimizing Pediatric Hospital Experiences (2-21-08)
Perkins + Will developed a copyrighted pediatric hospital room for long-term patients after interviewing medical professionals, former patients, and parents of former patients.
Designing for Possessions (2-14-08)
Designers are often asked to create spaces or products to store excess possessions, but instead of creating storage space, it often would be more appropriate to reduce the amount of material being stored.
Pediatric Hospital Room Design (2-11-08)
Pediatric hospital room design has recently been the focus of a Perkins + Will research team.
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