Applied Research

Great design starts with deep curiosity—to gain empathy, to break out of norms and to test creative intuition. Research is not an end in itself, but a means by which we create better buildings.

Featured Research Insight

The Future Lab: What a Global Survey of Scientists Says About Tomorrow’s Research Buildings

Through our research programs, we harvest insights from social science, neuroscience, materials science and other fields to improve the design of buildings and cities. Learn more about each of our research initiatives.

John Medina is on a mission to apply brain science to the real world. For most of human history, we lived outdoors, seeking both the enclosed space of reguge and open vistas. For us to perform to our potential, architects must account for these competing needs when designing spaces.

Our fellowship program with molecular biologist, professor and New York Times bestselling author Dr. John Medina explores the links between the cognitive neurosciences and the built environment. Our current focus is on design strategies to reduce burnout for healthcare workers by integrating respite zones into hospitals; encouraging health as employees return to the office by connecting them to nature; and strengthening relationships between in-person and virtual teams through science-based principles.

As the founding architectural sponsor of the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments research consortium, we translate research into action by creating innovative design solutions to common problems facing our clients. Right now, we are developing sustainable materials that reduce noise—a common complaint and barrier to productivity—in offices and hospitals; studying the habits of employees to quantitatively document the spaces that make them feel productive; and exploring strategies for the built environment to encourage greater movement.

The Design Performance Group studies the health of building occupants and the environment, bringing greater transparency and performance through predictive analytics, computational technologies and advanced building engineering. Current projects include an open-source carbon calculator; a software tool that analyzes opportunities for greater daylight and views in buildings; and integrated strategies to create carbon-neutral hospitals.

For all the insight that research provides, it must be grounded in the physical: the beauty of a lobby, the comfort of a sofa, the functionality of an operating room. Across all disciplines, we practice the art of making, from handcrafted furniture and rapid prototyping to artwork and physical models connected to digital tools. Examples include a façade mock-up to test the potential carbon-neutrality of a high-rise; software that allows us to see spaces through of the eyes of patients with visual impairment; and the incorporation of cross-laminated timber in healthcare environments.

Because science and creative intuition are harmonious partners, we apply research to every aspect of our practice.

The Overlooked Workplace

Research from NBBJ and the University of Washington spotlights the need to focus on the healthcare workforce.

Through Their Eyes: How Research-Based Simulations Create Empathetic Buildings

Translating research into empathetic design solutions for specific patient populations.

A Quiet Building Is a Healthy Building

In partnership with the University of Washington, we research strategies to overcome a common barrier to productivity: noise.

Ohana Center for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, Courtyard

Hope, Healing and Healthcare

NBBJ Fellow Dr. John Medina outlines five neuroscience-based design strategies to support healthcare workers and their patients.

Hope, Healing and Healthcare

NBBJ Fellow Dr. John Medina outlines five neuroscience-based design strategies to support healthcare workers and their patients.

The 40% Office: How to Optimize Your Workplace for Today’s Behaviors and Business Needs

Created in partnership with Harvard professor Raj Choudhury, the 40% Office provides a framework for when and what work happens together—and what that means for office design.

How Space Impacts Creativity in the Hybrid Workplace

In our latest collaboration with the University of Washington, we explore three design solutions to encourage creativity at home and in the office.

How Space Impacts Creativity in the Hybrid Workplace

In our latest collaboration with the University of Washington, we explore three design solutions to encourage creativity at home and in the office.

When Craft Meets Comfort

Furniture that is comfortable and safe can be hard to find for people in distress. So on a recent behavioral health project, we met with patients and then designed our own.

How Do You Redefine and Create a New Rhythm of Life?

An evidenced-based approach to elevate workplace experience, health and performance.

Four Strategies to Reduce Stress as People Come Back to the Office

Applying neuroscience principles to foster comfort and improve workplace health.

Applied Research

Applied Research Programs

Through our research programs, we harvest insights from social science, neuroscience, materials science and other fields to improve the design of buildings and cities. Learn more about each of our research initiatives.

Because science and creative intuition are harmonious partners, we apply research to every aspect of our practice.

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