How home design can improve the living environment | Lisa Sundahl-Platt | TEDxUF
What does it truly mean to feel “at home”? In this TEDxUF Talk, Design Scientist Dr. Lisa Sundahl-Platt examines how our environments profoundly influence our sense of safety, comfort, and well-being—especially during unexpected life changes. Drawing on over 25 years as a licensed interior designer and her advanced degrees in Psychology and Systems Engineering, Dr. Sundahl-Platt demonstrates how thoughtful, resilient design can transform not just a space but a life. Through her early experience redesigning a care facility room for Anna—a woman grappling with the loss of independence—we witness the remarkable impact of intentional choices: ergonomic lighting, personalized color palettes, and accessible controls that restore dignity and joy, even in the most challenging circumstances.Yet, resilient design goes far beyond aesthetics. Dr. Sundahl-Platt delves into the science of interior living environments, revealing how materials, lighting, acoustics, and spatial planning can either support or undermine our health. She introduces the “5S” framework—Safety, Support, Sustainability, Symbiosis, and Salutogenesis—a holistic approach inspired by engineered and natural systems. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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