Nashville, TN - The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Architecture and Design in collaboration with the Nashville Civic Design Center (NCDC) is pleased to present the lecture series, “Designing Environments for Health” that explores how the built environment influences our physical, mental, and social health.

The series is designed for adult learners, health and policy professionals and students and begins February 3^rdat Belmont University with keynote by Dr. Richard Jackson, chair of Environmental Health at UCLA - presenting"Health — Spanning Disciplines: Agriculture to Architecture, Housing to Transportation.” The opening reception and lecture will be held at Belmont University’s Frist Lecture Hall at the Gordon E. Inman Building - from 3:30 to 6:00 pm.  This event is sponsored by architectural firm Earl Swensson Associates, Inc. (ESa).

"There is definitive data showing a strong link between the built environment and patient outcomes and a renewed focus on urban design and public health," said B.J. Miller, lecture series organizer and facilitator for the college.  “This lecture series will create awareness of this data and explore collaborative approaches to designing for better patient outcomes by treating more than the symptoms while exploring opportunities for solutions that create multiple benefits in our communities and healthcare environments.”

The major health challenges of the 21^st century have their start in the environment.  Humans create built environments – houses, offices, roads, green spaces and more -- that affect climate, air and water quality, safety and availability of food, and our own bodies.  Built environments influence chronic diseases such as diabetes and loss of fitness.  Dr. Jackson will outline the need for and offer suggestions for design solutions that create multiple benefits rather than more challenges.

The lecture series will feature internationally recognized speakers and authors, as well as follow-up panel discussion sessions with local stakeholders. The series will be conducted February, March and April on Wednesdays (see schedule below) from 4:30-6:00 at the NCDC office (138 Second Avenue North) unless otherwise noted.

For more information and to register for the lecture series visit the NCDC web site at: www.civicdesigncenter.org/health