How we shape our buildings — and how they shape us

Article Written by Stanford Engineering Staff

"Sarah Billington began her career in civil engineering studying concrete, a remarkable material that has literally shaped the world as we know it.

Concrete is one of the most-consumed materials on Earth — second only to water, but this one material alone is also responsible for 6 percent of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere.

That cold realization and a dispiriting morning meeting spent in a bunkerlike concrete-walled room led Billington to alter her research focus. She now studies how we can construct buildings designed to enhance human health and well-being. From artistic, behavior-nudging digital displays to spaces that inspire a sense of belonging and creativity, Billington says that buildings should be central contributors to our sense of fulfillment in life.

Tune in as host Russ Altman and Sarah Billington discuss a new and more holistic approach to building design.

You can listen to the Future of Everything on Sirius XM Insight Channel 121iTunesSoundCloud and Stanford Engineering Magazine."

 

Read the full article at Stanford Engineering