Show Notes
The built environment can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing, for better or worse. Factors such as quality of housing and infrastructure, as well as access to green spaces and design choices, can influence both physical and psychological health. So, how can construction professionals create buildings with positive psychological effects that help people live happier and healthier lives? In March’s episode of the 21CC podcast, three experts from engineering consultancy Buro Happold convene to answer this question and explore the existing guidelines and standards that support the design and construction of ‘healthy’ buildings. The speakers are: Ben Channon, head of inclusive environments, who is an author, speaker and mental wellbeing advocate, as well as the co-founder of the Architects’ Mental Wellbeing Forum; Jean Hewitt, inclusive environments technical lead, who is a member of the BSI Committee for ‘Design of an Accessible and Inclusive Environment’, and the technical author of PAS 6463, which is the first building design standard produced by a national standards body that addresses neurodiversity needs; Madeleine Granland, inclusive design consultant, who specialises in neurodiversity design.
This engaging discussion highlights the value of thoughtful design and construction, and includes two case study examples of inclusive design in action. If you would like a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected]
More from 21st Century Construction
It’s been a year since Awaab’s Law came into force, setting strict new rules that registered social landlords must follow in dealing with damp and mould. The law was named after 2-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 of severe respiratory failure as a result of prolonged exposure to mould in his home in Rochdale. In the three years leading up to his death, the housing association took no action to deal with the mould, despite repeated notifications. Now, under Awaab’s Law, landlords have to respond to “emergency” mould hazards within 24 hours, and “significant” hazards within 15 days. Serious challenges Complying with the law poses serious technical, resource and public engagement challenges for landlords, and the sector is still feeling its way. To help, CIOB and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) joined forces to publish a useful playbook – Tackling damp and mould: Professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing – providing landlords with advice on recognising damp and mould, problem solving with residents and taking steps to resolve root causes. Update from the front In this month’s 21CC podcast, we speak to experts who contributed to the playbook, and provide an update from the frontline in the ongoing battle against this serious problem. We hear from Professor John Edwards FCIOB, who wrote the section on how to inspect properties for the hazard, and CIH policy lead Dr Eve Blezard on the need to avoid scapegoating residents. Claire Hawley and Leon Sidebottom, who lead customer engagement for Berneslai Homes, share what they learned about what works and what doesn’t in engaging tenants. And researchers Dr Graeme Sherriff and Philip Martin from the University of Salford’s Sustainable Housing and Urban Studies Unit share insights from their extensive research into how damp and mould affects households in Greater Manchester. We think this pacey podcast will interest people across a wide range of roles and responsibilities in the housing sector.
This month marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.
Plant trees down high streets. Retrofit schools, hospitals and care homes with external shading. Cool down beds and install ceiling fans. Legislate for minimum indoor temperatures. Ban glass towers. Paint roofs white. Set up a cooling refuge in every community. Reduce glazing and install windows that open.
For the last three years, DragonHeart Homes, a CIOB company in Peterborough that makes modular units for public-sector housing, has employed prisoners from HMP North Sea Camp, a Category-D open men’s prison outside Boston in Lincolnshire.
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