The ASID Foundation is now accepting proposals for its sixth annual Transform Grants. This year, the foundation will award up to $100,000 to evidence-based research projects that address interior design or policy solutions that use space to enhance one or more elements of well-being for all. The ASID Foundation considers the five elements of well-being to be physical, social (mental/emotional), financial, career, and community.
The need to strive toward everyday wellness in the built environment and to foster well-being through the spaces we design has become a mainstream goal, but research suggests that access to well-being is not easily available to those working on or below the poverty line. Those families and individuals who may be most in need of healthy residences, schools, workplaces, and municipal buildings may be the least likely to have access to them.
"The importance of using the power of design to support vulnerable groups in need of physical, mental, and social well-being has never been more important," said ASID Foundation Chair Patrick J. Schmidt, FASID, RID. "Design interventions can improve the quality of life for populations in need and provide everyday health, safety, and wellness to them. The ASID Foundation looks forward to receiving proposals that explore the potential of interior design to promote well-being for all people, regardless of socio-economic status."
A panel of expert judges will evaluate submissions and prioritize the top five studies for each grant type. The ASID Foundation's Board of Trustees will make the final funding decisions. The evaluation criteria is based on the significance of the study, the innovativeness of research questions, the feasibility of budget and timeline, the strength and breadth of the target audience reach, and the overall quality of the submission.
The deadline for submissions is March 15, 2017.
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