Hans Rosling Center for Population Health

The University of Washington’s Population Health Initiative aims to improve the lives of billions of people around the world by addressing the overlapping factors that influence population health - human health, environmental resilience, and social and economic equity. To support and foster the work of the initiative, the approach to the site design aims to provide a campus experience that will refresh and inspire the mind with opportunities for discovery and reflection. This vision is rooted in Attention Restoration Theory, which posits that time spent in a natural environment is more restorative for activities requiring significant cognitive function than time in an urban environment. Layered, lush plantings with seasonal interest provide immersive experiences alongside sinuous pathways. Three courtyards create a modern forum for scholars from the initiative and neighboring programs to come together. Comfortable furnishings at a variety of scales are embedded within landscape, sited with consideration for prospect and refuge, and providing for a range of outdoor experiences from quiet study and contemplation to social gatherings and events.

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