Supporting a green and just transition for NHS Scotland

Seeing the Invisible: designing for indoor air quality (IAQ)

Seeing the Invisible focuses on enhancing indoor air quality in healthcare environments while addressing environmental impacts.

Interactive model to communicate actions to improve indoor air quality. Model and Image credit: Florence Reeves

About the Project

We spend 90% of our time indoors, and the air we breathe in these spaces directly affects our health. However, indoor air quality is influenced by many interconnected factors, making it challenging to communicate clear advice to residents.

Our goal is to provide practical guidance on improving indoor air quality, ultimately enhancing health and well-being. Through Seeing the Invisible, we equip building occupants and the public with valuable information about the causes, effects, and solutions related to indoor air pollution. This research explores an exhibition-based approach to effectively communicate this information, empowering residents to take control of their indoor environmental health.

We are investigating key pollution sources, such as building materials, cleaning products, personal care items, and external pollutants. Additionally, we are exploring ventilation methods and systems to help residents reduce and manage indoor pollutants in their homes.

Design HOPES is a collaborative design-led research initiative, comprising five Scottish Universities (University of Strathclyde, University of Dundee, Heriot Watt University, Abertay University, and the University of Edinburgh), NHS Scotland, the third sector, and design organisations.

This project is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) as part of the Future Observatory GTE Hub Programme at the Design Museum.

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