The Great Indoors

March 23, 2020
Journalist Anthes (Frankenstein’s Cat) explores cutting-edge innovations in architecture and interior design in her enjoyable and educational work of pop science. Most chapters focus on a particular type of indoor space and recent efforts to improve it—for example, hospitals being designed with more green space, or offices planned with both worker productivity and comfort in mind. Some of the most intriguing chapters pertain to improving the lives of vulnerable or marginalized individuals, as with housing developments built specifically for adults with autism, who often have certain sensory or socialization issues, or just need extra help to live on their own. Elsewhere, Anthes discusses the harshness of prisons designed to “control, shame and stigmatize,” and contrasts that with a California facility where a more open plan resulted in a considerable improvement in inmate behavior. Ending on a fun note, Anthes outlines the work of “space architects” designing structures for habitation on Mars. Though far from a rigorous scientific study, this thoughtful work will prompt readers to more carefully consider the spaces they commonly inhabit but may rarely think about.

April 1, 2020
How architects and scientists are fashioning remarkable environments from the inside out. Science journalist Anthes follows up on her award-winning Frankenstein's Cat, about animal biotechnology, with an exploration of how "good architecture" in our indoor environment "can help us lead healthier, happier, more productive lives; create more just, humane societies; and increase our odds of survival in a precarious world." The author begins with the "burgeoning field of indoor ecology" and "invisible menagerie of organisms that inhabit our houses." Among the useful lessons she imparts: Keep houses dry, clean shower heads, and avoid cleaning materials that contain added antimicrobials. Hospitals, writes Anthes, are providing more private rooms to reduce infections and adding windows with relaxing, outdoor landscapes and "circadian lighting" to speed up recovery time. Furthermore, better designed, patient-centered operating rooms are creating more efficient, safer space. Architects are embracing the "power of stairs" in housing structures to encourage exercise while "cutting-edge, eco-friendly schools" offer more open spaces to encourage student interaction. As the author shows, environmental changes to office spaces can increase productivity and provide workers with more personal empowerment. " 'Accessible design' has given way to 'universal design, ' " with architects and engineers incorporating changes for the disabled, including "autism-friendly places." Climate change has spurred the development of "amphibious architecture" and floating houses. Anthes inspects Iranian architect Nader Khalili's amazing SuperAdobe "earthbag" houses, which can be built quickly for disaster-relief shelter, and she chronicles her travel to Norway, where she toured a maximum security prison that "is designed to look, and function, like a small village." As she writes, "the goal isn't to coddle the inmates but to nurture and rehabilitate them." Though some readers may be overwhelmed by the amount of information presented, the majority of it is fascinating and well worth pondering. A sharp, eye-opening assessment of urgent architectural needs being fulfilled.

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.