Evidence-based design – the idea

What it is

Evidence-based design is “the process of basing decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes,” according to Wikipedia. A formal definition is “Evidence-based design is a process for the contentious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence from research and practice in making critical decisions, together with an informed client, about the design of each individual and unique project”.

Why it is important

This definition of evidence-based design spans a remarkable range of disciplines, including architecture, interior design, landscape design, facilities management, education, medicine, and nursing. An example of the latter is the seminal study by Roger S. Ulrich et al (1984) that showed the impact of a window view on patient recovery. The Guide Project suspects that notions that work across many intellectual silos will be required in successfully treating the future as a design space. – JG