HDR and Delos have signed a strategic alliance agreement to work on applied research and further development of wellness design tools.
Delos, the pioneer of the WELL Building Standard, and the architecture firm will collaborate to further develop a technology tool to assist real estate projects to incorporate wellness and sustainability solutions and strategies in design. HDR’s proprietary tool analyzes multiple health and wellness metrics established from research supported by Delos, including access to daylight, acoustical impact on staff, access to views, likelihood of collaboration, active design standards, and more.
“We’re excited to explore how our custom tools will introduce health and wellness outcomes into the design process as early as possible,” said Colin Rohlfing, Director of Sustainable Design & Energy Solutions for HDR. “This approach to design will integrate and elevate these elements in a robust way—allowing us to demonstrate meaningful design impacts within a 3D environment.”
“HDR, already deeply invested in research which seeks to codify the impacts of healthy building on occupant heath and performance, is an obvious and exciting partner for us,” said Paul Scialla, Founder and CEO of Delos. “We look forward to joining forces with their offices around the world to accelerate the adoption of healthy, well buildings.”
Related Stories
| Oct 15, 2014
Drones may soon assist code inspectors for construction in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Labour announced that they will start using drones to help inspectors record when construction sites are breaking laws.
| Oct 9, 2014
California authorizes increased use of design-build on state projects
Under the updated law, the Department of General Services and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation may use design-build on projects in excess of $1 million.
| Oct 9, 2014
New York City releases guide for retrofitting buildings against floods
Part of the city’s response to widespread flooding as a result of Hurricane Sandy, the manual offers retrofitting strategies that will enable property owners to reduce the risk of damage and disruption from coastal flooding.
| Oct 9, 2014
Seattle puts restrictions on micro apartments
The Seattle City Council passed new rules that new studio apartments in the city must measure at least 220 sf and contain at least two sinks.
| Oct 9, 2014
Cities get creative with stormwater management
Cities around the world are crafting stormwater management policies that include natural and manmade methods to store and absorb runoff to reduce flooding.
| Oct 2, 2014
Fannie Mae study says affordable rental units more energy efficient than market-rate units
Fannie Mae’s new report on energy usage in the multifamily sector found that affordable properties use 28% less energy per unit and are 29% smaller than market-rate properties.
| Oct 2, 2014
California Energy Commission launches code upgrade process
The California Energy Commission launched the upgrade process to Title 24, the state energy code, last month.
| Oct 2, 2014
Canals to mitigate flooding could be in Boston’s future
The Urban Land Institute held brainstorming sessions over the last several months involving more than 70 engineers, architects, and development and insurance specialists to examine how rising sea levels would affect four representative areas in and around Boston.
| Oct 2, 2014
Los Angeles reverses ban on high-rise slanted roofs and spires
Los Angeles reversed course last month on a regulation that had barred skyscrapers from having slanted roofs or spires.
| Sep 29, 2014
10 common deficiencies in aging healthcare facilities
VOA's Douglas King pinpoints the top issues that arise during healthcare facilities assessments, including missing fire/smoke dampers, out-of-place fire alarms, and poorly constructed doorways.