Despite current and ongoing research clarifying the benefits of being outside, people are spending more time indoors. According to the National Human Activity Pattern study American adults spend 93% of their time indoors or in vehicles. Attention Restoration Theory (ART), Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), Nature Rx and other activities aim to bring attention to the positive effects of nature on the brain & body and reverse this trend.

Stronger connections between people, plants, and architecture can promote user well-being, support resilience, and create places of healing and lasting impact. Join Ryan Moody, Landscape Architect and Principal of Moody Graham, in exploring the science supporting the power of these connections and strategies for collaboration between architects, landscape architects, researchers, and scientists to enhance them.


Learning Objectives: After attending this presentation, participants will be able to: Understand the current epidemic of stress in America and highlight ways architects and landscape architects have historically approached improving health through design; Outline the foundational theories and science supporting links between nature and improved health; Explore how the new fields of neuroscience and neuro-urbanism are transforming how we understand people's interactions with their world; and utilize design strategies to strengthen environmental connections at the intersection of landscape and architecture.  


Speaker: Ryan Moody, ASLA - Principal, Moody Graham


Credits: 1.5 HSW|LUs