George Stroumboulopoulos (Strombo) had a post on his website this past week that described the effects of music on premature babies. Strombo writes: Traditional lullabies and favourite songs (slowed down to resemble lullaby) were played or sung for the babies, along with rhythm therapy such as a whooshing of the ocean or a heartbeat. Researchers … Continue reading Music as Medicine
Design
My views on creating a healthy and sustainable architecture
Love Letter: Dear Boston
Ever since I saw the explosions on Monday, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you, and the four months we spent together nearly 10 years ago. In fall 2003, you embraced me as I worked for an architecture firm in your downtown area. You gave me coworkers who cared about me, which was … Continue reading Love Letter: Dear Boston
Architect: What’s in a Title?
What's in a job title? I am not looking for a job. I really enjoy working for my current firm. However, like any good social networker, I maintain my LinkedIn profile. Because I am open to connections, weekly I get emails on current job postings that might be available to me, like the ones in … Continue reading Architect: What’s in a Title?
CMHC Research Highlight: Grab-bar Preferences Study
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) sent a link to a Grab-Bar study in their e-newsletter this week. The study's objectives were to: 1) determine if and how people actually use toilet grab bars; 2) determine which configuration was more effective in facilitating safe toilet transfers; 3) determine if the grab bar configuration used had an influence on … Continue reading CMHC Research Highlight: Grab-bar Preferences Study
All in the details: A day at the Canadian International Autoshow!
quirkycity's photostream on Flickr. My husband and I went to the Canadian International Autoshow again this year. You can find some of my detail shots at my Flickr site photostream. For me this year, it was all about the details. The show had everything from car sections, to engine blocks below, to a rolling car … Continue reading All in the details: A day at the Canadian International Autoshow!
Hospital Design and Build Resource
I found some interesting articles at hospitalinfrabiz.com - India's Exclusive Hospital Infrastructure Business Portal - and thought I'd share them with you. You can read them on their "Hospital Design and Build" page. Of particular interest, I found the summary article "Top 10 Evidence-Based Design Features that Improve Healthcare Outcomes" engaging, as it was co-written … Continue reading Hospital Design and Build Resource
Course: The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness
I'm taking a 6-week online course through Coursera on The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness. Coursera is a social entrepreneurship company that partners with the top universities in the world to offer courses online for anyone to take, for free. We envision a future where the top universities are educating not only thousands … Continue reading Course: The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness
Day-lit Operating Rooms, Commitment Rules and a Case Study
A few articles on healthcare caught my attention this week.Two are about architecture and one is about the policies surrounding commitment for mental illnesses. Sunny Disposition by Green Health Magazine In one of my LinkedIn groups, someone asked whether or not having naturally lit Operation Rooms was beneficial. It sparked a whole series of comments … Continue reading Day-lit Operating Rooms, Commitment Rules and a Case Study
Reuniting my passions
First, I'd like to apologize for setting aside my online presence for a while. I've been soul-searching about my life, its direction and it's taken its toll on my blogs (both here and at Circadian Design. There are going to be a number of changes to this site, likely culminating in merging the two together. … Continue reading Reuniting my passions
LEED V4: Have Your Say in the 5th Comment Period
The 5th Comment Period is Open for LEED V4 from October 2 to December 10. https://new.usgbc.org/articles/fifth-public-comment-period-now-open-update-usgbc%E2%80%99s-leed-green-building-program
DSM-5 Draft Criteria Open for Final Public Comment
The fifth edition for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-V) has posted its changes for the final comment period, ending June 12, 2012. That's just under a week to finish looking it over and commenting on the updates. What specifically has changed on this site over the past year? Visitors may … Continue reading DSM-5 Draft Criteria Open for Final Public Comment
What's going on: Mental Health Miscellany
I've noticed a bunch of articles this week from various sources that highlight the current problems with mental health, specifically the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, so I thought I'd link to the posts with some summaries and why I found them interesting. 1. PTSD as an Outcome of Child Abuse by Louise Behiel (Blog) Louise … Continue reading What's going on: Mental Health Miscellany
Lean Healthcare – a New Evidence-Based Design Strategy?
The first quarter issue of the Patient-Centered Design Online Newsletter is up and features an article on Lean design for healthcare. I've often wondered what Lean Design is. It is a derivative of manufacturing experience, specifically that of the Toyota Production System (TPS). According to Tammy S. Thompson: "Lean design is a system that focuses on … Continue reading Lean Healthcare – a New Evidence-Based Design Strategy?
Environmental Design and Construction: May 2012 Highlights
I signed up for Environmental Design and Construction (EDC) and received the May Issue the other day. Two articles stuck out to me in this 113 page magazine. 1. The Shape of Healthcare, by Derrick Teal The Upper Cumberland Regional Health Facility (UCRHF) is: Owned by the State of Tennessee, the new construction of this 50,000-square-foot facility building … Continue reading Environmental Design and Construction: May 2012 Highlights
Changing Directions, Changing Lives: The first mental health strategy for Canada
Monday, the Mental Health Commission of Canada announced the first mental health strategy for Canada. Formed in 2007 by Canada's Conservative government, the Commission has a number of studies, including creating a comprehensive plan for preventative mental health care across Canada. I can't find the actual report, though I am looking forward to reading it when … Continue reading Changing Directions, Changing Lives: The first mental health strategy for Canada
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