Designing Public Health: How Buildings Impact Our Well-being with Dr. Erika Eitland

In this episode of Changing Tomorrow, Gayathri talks to Dr. Erika Eitland, a renowned expert in the intersection of public health and building design. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of how our environments shape us, Erika delves into the transformative power of well-designed spaces on our mental and physical well-being. She breaks down the science behind creating spaces that not only look good but feel good, serving as catalysts for organizational success and individual happiness. From the psychology of color to the importance of air quality, she provides actionable insights that you can implement right away. 

About Our Guest: Dr. Erika Eitland

Dr. Erika Eitland, MPH, ScD, is the Director of the Human Experience Lab at Perkins&Will. With a focus on the public health impact of K-12 schools, affordable housing, and urban planning, Dr. Eitland is a leading voice in the field. She holds a doctorate from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. She has presented her research globally and advises on national policy for the U.S. EPA.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction

[05:00] Dr. Erika Eitland's Journey

[10:00] The Role of Design in Public Health

[20:00] Case Study: The Carter School

[30:00] Proceed: A Public Health Data Tool

[40:00] Advice for Young Designers

[50:00] What Gives Dr. Eitland Hope

[53:00] Conclusion

Key Takeaways

• The Importance of Health-Centric Design: Dr. Erika Eitland emphasizes the need for designers to incorporate public health data into their projects. She suggests tools that can help.
• Championing Inclusive Spaces: Dr. Eitland discusses a case study that illustrates the power of design in catering to diverse health needs. She urges professionals to advocate for such inclusivity.
• The Value of Community Input: According to Dr. Eitland, community engagement is crucial for understanding unique health challenges. She recommends this approach for anyone involved in urban planning or policy.
• Investment in Research Pays Off: Dr. Eitland shares how initial investments in health-related research can yield long-term benefits, both socially and financially.
• The Power of Collaboration: Dr. Eitland stresses the importance of finding like-minded individuals to collaborate with, stating that no one can make a significant impact alone.
• Urgency for Action: Dr. Eitland encourages professionals to start making even small changes now, emphasizing that there's no time to waste when public health is at stake.

Podcast Article and Reading List can be found here

Connect with Dr. Erika Eitland

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikasitaeitland/

Inhabit podcast:https://inhabi

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