Tag Archives: Health

How Eye Tracking Reveals What Really Makes Streets Walkable

Posted on February 25, 2024 by Genetics of Design

by Ann Sussman, RA Interested in learning how adding trees and greenery improve the pedestrian experience? Or how it increases the likelihood that people will even consider walking down a suburban street? Then check out the work at the Devens … Continue reading →

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To Keep Calm: Take in Nature + Fall Fractals

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Genetics of Design

Nature walks relieve stress, curb anxiety, and help us feel calm. That’s what we found on a recent walk through the woods in Concord, Massachusetts, and now there’s more science to back it up. Outside in nature, we easily take … Continue reading →

Posted in Fractals, Nature, Patterns, Primal Vista, Walkability | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The Public Realm: What Cars Took Away + Never Gave Back

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Genetics of Design

Where would you rather be? The main street above or the one below? We’d guess you’ll pick the one most at top, even though these images show the very same street — photographed about 100 years apart! It’s Commonwealth Avenue … Continue reading →

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Park Benches Where No One Sits

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Genetics of Design

If the goal of the bench is socialization, safety, scenery and shelter, why do these benches face busy streets, blank walls and parking lots? Continue reading →

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The Genetics of Garden Design

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Genetics of Design

Architecture is not just about houses and buildings—it’s also about gardens and landscapes. In the Genetics of Design, we write about how design affects biology and how biology affects design. Well-designed spaces make people feel comfortable and safe. They mesh … Continue reading →

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The Joy of Modern Houses

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Genetics of Design

The first time I toured a modern house, it was love at first sight. Heart racing. Pulse pounding. Face flushing. Love. Or maybe lust. Either way, once I met a house with cathedral ceilings, I never went back. Humongous windows. … Continue reading →

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Drives Me Crazy

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Genetics of Design

Donna called at 5pm with a last-minute request, “Can you give me a lift to Bedford? I promised to have dinner with my parents and my car’s in the shop.” “Sure” I said, not realizing that a 10-mile drive during rush … Continue reading →

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