July 2022 Assistant Professor, University of North Texas, Department of Geography and the Environment As record-breaking heat waves impact communities worldwide and the team installs sensors throughout the District to capture meteorological data, some of it pertaining to thermal comfort and heat, it’s exciting that we managed to schedule some time to talk to Dr. […]
Interview with Dr. Lu Liang Read More »
As we place sensors throughout the District to capture thermal comfort data, and soon begin Phase 2 of Equitable Engagement to gain feedback from District users on streetscape and park amenities, its important to revisit our roots. Explore how and why we use biophilia to inform the design process. Also, learn about the SWMD team’s
June 2022 Newsletter Read More »
Biophilia, a term coined by social psychologist Erich Fromm and popularized by biologist E.O. Wilson, is the philosophy that humans have an innate, biological affinity for the natural world. Importantly, research shows that there is a positive influence of greenery on human psychological and cognitive functioning; by using plants and their inherent shapes, colors, forms,
Biophilia and the Importance of Designing for Human Health Read More »
As we embark on Phase 2 of the equitable engagement component of our project, consulting District users about streetscape and park amenities and programming, it seems important to revisit our experience with biophilic design and the consulting firm, Terrapin Bright Green. Terrapin is a consulting firm that specializes in design, whole systems thinking, and research
Biophilia Workshops Recap Read More »
Covid has not only been linked recently to healthcare worker burnout, but also negatively to the mental health of our youth. Evidence continues to show that experiencing nature and getting outside are great ways to combat the negative impacts of Covid and our sedentary lifestyles. Learn how these things impact healthcare workers and youth in
May 2022 Newsletter Read More »
Although it appeared that youth were spared the ravages of COVID-19, a full picture of their experience is only now emerging. Data released by the CDC a few weeks ago show that during the pandemic, a third (37%) of high school students reported experiencing poor mental health with 44% saying that they felt persistently sad
Youth and Mental Health: The COVID Generation Read More »
It’s become a well-known phenomenon, healthcare workers (HCWs), burned out, exhausted, worn out mentally, emotionally, and physically, from the Covid-19 pandemic are leaving health care in droves. They have faced life-threatening situations, pathogen exposure, and shift overload, all with limited to nonexistent resources and support. This has taken a toll. The rate of depressive disorders
Health Care Workers’ Burnout: Could Nature be the antidote? Read More »
Check out our April Newsletter for the new SPOTLIGHT ON RESEARCH section, learn how trees improve urban development and what the Harry Hines corridor and park project will do with vegetation differently to improve the symbiotic nature of the District.
April 2022 Newsletter Read More »
It is troubling, or should we say “treeoubling,” that the accepted norm in our cities are single rows of trees lined up like soldiers along a street. Project after project we tell the street tree to embrace the astonishingly small hole and to grow and flourish in the poorest of soil surrounded by hardscape surface.
Trees Changing the Front Lines of Urbanism Read More »
Mixed Methods: An Innovative Approach to Complex Research The SWMD Urban Landscape and Park project is complex in vision, scale, and scope of work. It brings together multiple organizations and communities with diverse voices, perspectives, experiences, and needs. And because of this complexity TTF is using Mixed Methods Research (MMR). MMR integrates qualitative and quantitative
SPOTLIGHT ON RESEARCH Read More »
