Actionable Knowledge: A Research Synthesis Project For Affordable Housing Design Practice
Mar 5th, 2008
Abstract: To date, there is no established agenda for organizing, disseminating, and advancing the state of knowledge of how good design is best employed to create long-term economic and social value in affordable housing. Building upon and adapting evidence-based design practices in health care, this project proposes developing the first stage of an effective Web-based strategy to help foster evidence-based design among those involved in affordable housing and mixed-income developments.
This project will produce concise, useful, and insightful research briefs and FAQ-oriented statements that translate existing research findings on affordable housing design issues. By weighing the strength of evidence and synthesizing those research findings that are valid and reliable (what is known as "translational research" in health-policy forums), these Web-accessible briefs and FAQ statements will give public officials, architects, developers, and builders convincing, dependable information and new perspectives to inform design, policy, and development decisions.
The project uses a methodology for developing this resource, adapting similar successful efforts in health-care design by the Center for Health Design and health-care policy by the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation. The Web resource will provide a framework that users can use to "answer" questions relevant to design issues of affordable housing. Development of a comprehensive database is more resource-intensive than funds from this particular grant program allows. But this phase of the project would establish a methodology and foundation for developing a more comprehensive Web resource and produce two Web products, providing concrete evidence of its usefulness and viability in future funding requests for further development.
For more information: http://www.aia.org/k_abstracts_2006grantrecipients