Healthcare Project Among Selections for 2013 Upjohn Research Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The jury for the American Institute of Architects Upjohn Research Initiative, a joint program of the College of Fellows and the Board Knowledge Committee to support knowledge sharing between practitioners and academicians, has announced the five projects selected to receive grants.

The purpose of the grant is to provide base funds for applied research projects that advance professional knowledge and practice. The 18-month long project grant qualifies recipients to have findings and outcomes published both electronically and in a nationally distributed publication.

The total award of $105,000 will be spread across the selected proposals. The jury felt the process and deliberations were fully consistent with the blind-peer review intent of the program. This blind-peer review helps add an element of rigor to the process whereby proposals are debated on their own merits. The following five submissions were selected for funding:

Project Title:
Daylighting Design Performance Criteria for Alzheimer Care Facilities, Towards Evidence-based Best Practices for Improved Care. Principal Investigator: Kyle Konis, Ph.D., AIA, University of Southern California.

Abstract:
The objective of this research is to establish empirical daylighting design requirements and performance criteria for assisted living facilities serving people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Project Title:
Tenant Engagement in High Performance Buildings and Communities. Principal Investigator: Julie Kreigh, AIA, LEED AP, CSBA, Kriegh Architectural Studios.

Abstract:
Design professionals have developed methodologies to predict and analyze post-occupancy energy performance in project-specific high-performance design environments.

Project Title:
Learning Environments Design and Diversity. Principal Investigator: James Determan, FAIA, Morgan State University.

Abstract:
The primary intent of this research is to provide learning space designers and educators with evidence of the link between classroom design and enhanced learning outcomes using subjects that accurately reflect the future student population.

Project Title:
Sustainable Transparency: Kinetic Building Facades. Principal Investigator: Kyoung-Hee Kim, Ph.D., University of North Carolina.

Abstract:
This applied-design research project advances two domains of architectural knowledge: kinetic facade design and sustainability performance assessment.

Project Title:
Responsive Pneumatics: Prototypes for Biologically Inspired Air-Based Envelope Systems. Principal Investigator: Kathy Velikov, University of Michigan.

Abstract:
This proposal seeks funding to advance physical prototype-based research examining new performative, formal and aesthetic potentials of cellular pneumatic foil-based envelope systems toward low energy light-transmitting building facade applications.