From the inside-Out: Public Health & The Built Environment

3 units

The built environment has contributed to and advanced public health and safety since the era of 2200 BCE when Hammurabi, the founder of the Babylonian Empire, proclaimed the 'Code of Hammurabi.' This code called for construction of 'firm houses' that would not collapse on their owners and for the imposition of severe penalties on constructors whose buildings collapsed. The same basis of care and prudent practice is in force today in building design, construction, environmental engineering, and community and urban design in order to protect public health and safety and the natural environment. This Transdisciplinary Problem Solving course will discuss issues in the US and within a global context of housing, healthy communities, sustainable design, environmental quality, and occupational health and safety. Students will prepare a health impact assessment (HIA) for a selected building or community development site.