The Landscape of Impact: Creating a New Design Framework for Targeted Project Outcomes Through a Practice Based Approach to Research

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the potential for design to achieve wide-ranging, positive impacts in targeted and measurable ways. An increasing number of studies indicates that the built environment plays a substantial role in public health and well-being, yet even fundamental human needs such as access to healthy food and safe outdoor spaces are absent in many communities. This research was conducted as a Practice Based Research investigation. It examined a body of work - that of my 30-year practice, Bradley Site Design - and mined it as an empirical resource. Combined with a comprehensive literature review, the investigation formed the basis for a new design methodology and business model that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of people and planet. The examination of project and practice artifacts in the context of established discourse on topics such as impact assessment resulted in a synthesis of applied and theoretical knowledge, revealing new perspectives in design practice. The resulting research product is Design For Impact, a methodology and set of instruments that provide a framework to address localized community needs and generate outcomes that measurably affect human wellbeing, economic stability, and environmental health.