The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Architects Foundation have partnered with architecture firm HOK to research how better design practices can improve public health.

Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding, the trio will identify and develop opportunities to translate research on healthy architecture into practice.

HOK will leverage its global network of architects and clients to accumulate existing research and identify how to move this knowledge forwards in a targeted, client-focused way.

The studio will work with the AIA’s Design and Health Research Consortium to organise focus groups in universities between now and May 2017.

“We’re delighted to help premier academic research institutions translate their groundbreaking research on the impact of design on human and community health into professional practice,” said Anica Landreneau, HOK’s director of sustainable design.

“We look forward to facilitating focus groups for these institutions and our multidisciplinary design partners in architecture, interiors, landscape, planning and engineering – as well as our clients – in the effort to focus the next generation of research on this important issue.

“HOK and the AIA seek to promote the understanding and application of critical ideas, research outcomes and evidence that sustainable design truly will improve human health and wellness, in addition to ecological health.”

Suzanna Kelley, AIA’s managing director of Strategic Alliances and Initiatives, added: “HOK is a bridge to the client community. This first collaboration with the private sector is designed to inform consortium members what their ultimate client – the public – needs from their groundbreaking basic research into how design can help improve public well-being.”

Founded in 1857, the AIA advocates public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing through architecture, with a focus on ensuring buildings, neighbourhoods and communities are healthy and sustainable.

HOK use sustainable, high-performance design across their leisure projects. The company’s sustainable design leader, Chris DeVolder, recently told CLADmag how they design sustainable sports venues to improve communities.