Designing for the Unseen with Mark Fretz

We bring into focus the microbiome of the built environment to understand what is happening on a micro level to interior spaces. In this episode we address what is on designers’ minds right now, COVID-19 in the built environment.“Designers have a big role to play in the mitigation of virus transfer. Designers also have a role to play in the climate crisis. Buildings consume a lot of energy. While we're talking about biology right now, we really should be talking about energy because they go hand in hand. As we take measures to mitigate COVID-19 many of them have energy implications. They have land implications. They have urban design implications. We can't disregard the energy impact on the climate. We as designers need to think broadly. We have a substantial role to play.” In this episode we will unpack:What the built environment microbiome isDifferentiate good and bad microbesExplore how good microbiome support human healthDiscuss antimicrobial building productsStrategies designers can apply to reduce the transmission of viruses in the built environmentHow to introduce good microbes into the environment Guest SummaryMark Fretz is an Associate Director of Outreach and Knowledge Exchange at the Institute for Health in the Built Environment, and Research Assistant Professor at University of Oregon. Mark's role entails researching how to design the unseen in the built environment for microbes, molecules to precipitation, carbon and energy in use, in order to promote healthy individuals, healthy communities and a healthy planet.  IHBE is at the intersection between biology, medicine, chemistry and engineering to look at how to promote a healthy built environment. Currently Mark and the team he works with IHBE are studying the microbiome of the built environment. Recently, they published considerations to reduce COVID-19 transmission, which is titled “2019 novel coronavirus, pandemic built environment considerations to reduce transmission.” We are going to discuss studies they are currently working on to make the built environment healthier for occupants. Check out the show notes for actionable items to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases in the built environment. Don't forget to leave a rave review and follow us on instagram to stay in the loop on new episode releases. Curious about a topic you would like for Mile Long Trace to cover contact us. Till next time keep designing y'all.