Announcements April 23, 2024

E. Todd Wheeler Health Fellow Connie Lin speaks at the 2024 USC Architecture Research Symposium

Connie Lin, an E. Todd Wheeler Health Fellow based in our Los Angeles studio, recently spoke at the 2024 USC Architecture Research Symposium. Connie’s presentation, Transforming the Milieu Experience: Designing for Patient Autonomy in Behavioral Health, explored her research on patient autonomy and empowerment in behavioral health, specifically through the post-occupancy evaluations of four psychiatric health wards.

Connie presenting her research.

“It was refreshing to see a variety of research integrated at such a high level in architectural education, and it was a great reminder of the need to facilitate interdisciplinary design, both in practice and education,” Connie says of the symposium. “As I’ve faced many challenges integrating research with practice throughout my career, it was also incredibly affirming to see the enthusiasm of the students and faculty in response to my research on improving health, well-being, and the human experience in the built environment.”

According to the symposium program, the event aimed to “foster a dialogue on blending traditional practices with modern innovations to tackle today’s challenges, creating sustainable, adaptable, and culturally resonant living environments.” In addition to Connie, several other speakers also presented at the event, including practitioners, academics, and students, as well as Frances Anderton of KCRW, who gave a special keynote on multi-family housing.

“Connie’s research – based on actual built work – is important not only to designers throughout our firm but also to the regions and clients we work within,” says Leigh Christy, a managing principal and co-director of firmwide research. “Sharing such valuable findings with practitioners, academic institutions, and students can help architects create smarter designs that support improved human health.”

E. Todd Wheeler Health Fellow Connie Lin speaks at the 2024 USC Architecture Research Symposium

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