1947 British scholar S.F. Markham writes, "The greatest contribution to civilization in this century may well be air-conditioning—and America leads the way." 1950s In the post-World War II economic boom, residential air conditioning becomes just another way to keep up with the Joneses. More than 1 million units are sold in 1953 alone.
Fast forward 60 years later and we find that almost every building and home built after 1953 has
a HVAC (central heating and air cooling system). In an attempt to increase HVAC efficiency contemporary housing and buildings are sealed tightly. This results in sealed environments with unhealthy man-made articles such as paints, plastics, insulation, plywood, carpets, synthetic fabrics and detergents that emit harmful pollutants. This coincides and explains the increase in complaints of SBI (sick building syndrome) and the diagnosis of BRI (building related illness). As our country and the world at large briskly move forward towards sustainable design practices, Interior Designers must begin to create and design interior spaces that meet the programmatic need of fresh clean air for the health and safety of all users. Healthy buildings equal healthier people. This is a pretty simple equation, but one that is overlooked or ignored in the development of new buildings and interior spaces. The impact of healthier interior environments would improve and boost our local economy in many ways. It would increase and sustain the health and longevity of our citizens, which would lend itself to more vibrant flourishing communities. It would increase production and revenue in the work place, as employees call out less for SBI related illnesses for themselves or family members. It would decrease the workers compensation claims made because of BRI. The monies saved by all could then be reinvested in our communities and boost our local economy.
The design solution is selecting sustainable clean air handling systems during the initial stages of design, like the system created by the Frog project. Also using building and design products with low or no VOC emissions, and finally incorporating various plant materials throughout the design for natural filtration. Urging the builder to make the extra investment at the inception of design is a win, win for everyone.
http://www.urbanplantscapes.com/nasa-and-clean-air-act-council-recommend-interior-plants-cleans-air/ 05/01/13
I love that you connect the effect of design to the environment see how history effected the way designers think of the project.
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