Built-in quality of life (BQL)

Health and wellness of users as facilitated by built environments is the field of study of USO-Built’s International Research and Design Unit 3 (IRU 3). Built-in Quality of Life includes comfort technologies, as well as more general health and vitality preserving and stimulating strategies. Technical and natural sciences join forces to design and maintain intelligent built environments that increase vital and productive years in the human life-span. Modelling of health and comfort aspects of built environments is leading towards smart concepts of mixed automated and manual environmental control. Research methodologies are mainly taken from the natural and engineering sciences. Users are viewed as individuals. Ranges in needs, aspirations and capabilities are assessed and taken into account. Effective Universal Design through implemented ambient intelligence is the ultimate goal. Sub themes include: (i) Pro-active engagement to prevent potential personal capacity losses (Safe & Secure), (ii) Enhancement & Optimization of human options leading to increased comfort and productivity (Comfort Technology), and (iii) Compensation & Assistance for declining human capacities in general designs (Needs & Capabilities). BQL has found consensus for its mission, aims and focussing, and performed a preliminary SWOT analysis.