Lecture 13 - Design Guidelines for Homes, Offices, Classrooms, and Hospitals

The preceding lecture focused on developing research-based guidelines for creating effective public spaces and urban designs. The present lecture extends that discussion by examining evidence-based guidelines for enhancing the effectiveness of specific places and facilities such as mixed-use streetscapes, offices, homes, classrooms, concert halls, and health care facilities. Design guidelines drawn from Christopher Alexander’s A Pattern Language, including the provision of intimacy gradients, ample natural lighting and window views of nature are illustrated in the context of residential and work environments. Also, complexities inherent in the specification and implementation of research-based design guidelines are discussed, including the fact that diverse occupant groups who use the same settings (e.g., hospitals, educational environments) often have dissimilar and sometimes conflicting environmental preferences and needs. Finally, we consider Richard Florida’s research on the environmental preferences of creative individuals who are drawn to places that are culturally diverse, technologically advanced, and tolerant of alternative as well as traditional lifestyles.