The articles from InformeDesign have been coming fast and furious (they send weekly research summaries), so instead of listing each one separately, I’m listing three at a time today (as always, click on the colored words to connect to the links):
1. Nature Improves Concentration for Children with ADHD: “Children with Attention Deficit Concentrate Better After Walk in the Park, ” by Andrea Faber Taylor and Frances E. Kuo, 2008. ” Get those kids outside! I’m sure Richard Louv and the Children and Nature Network are happy with this one. In fact, their blog points to a New York Times article about the study, which is definitely worth a look: “A ‘Dose of Nature’ for Attention Problems,” by Tara Parker-Pope for the New York Times (10/17/08).
2. Legible Neighborhoods and Dementia: “Dementia-Friendly Cities: Designing Intelligible Neighborhoods for Life,” by Lynn Mitchell, Elizabeth Burton, and Shibu Raman, 2004. While the article talks about wayfinding and legibility outside of nursing homes and CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Communities), many of the same points could be used for designing any environment for people with dementia, even gardens and other outdoor spaces.
3. Designing Parks to Serve Poor Communities: “Parks as Mirrors of Community: Design Discourse and Community Hopes for Parks in East St. Louis,” by Laura Lawson, 2007. This goes back to yesterday’s blog, about the TKF Foundation’s work, only this time in Missouri.