3D printed Houses: Integrating Epidemiology into the Architecture

American children spend around 75% of the day in their homes; exposures in the residence are therefore an extremely important correlate of health and risk of disease. Homes are about to change--3D printing technology is ushering in a new shift in architectural design. Every housing form carries its own particular health risks, which can be greater or lesser in different environments. The Pioneer award will support a three- pronged approach to the integration of architecture and epidemiology, including: 1. A study of the biome of new 3D printed housing. What are the microbes, and animals that are thriving in the new 3D printed houses? How do they differ from the flora and fauna of traditional housing in similar environments? 2. Integrating architectural and epidemiological models. How much can we expect improved housing to decrease disease risk? How can we integrate architectural models of airflow with ecologic models to understand what species are likely to flourish in different housing forms? How can we design houses recalcitrant to those that are a threat to human health? And, 3. Laboratory and Field trials of architectural interventions. New forms and structures can be printed at a smaller scale and tested in the laboratory. In collaboration with others, full scale designs can be created and printed in field conditions, allowing for in situ study of the new ideas and innovations throughout the pioneer project.