Environmental Design Research Association Launches Certificate of Research Excellence
McLean, VA (PRWEB) May 29, 2014 -- Recognizing that the tools used to assess academic research do not easily translate to practice-based research, the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) launched EDRA CORE (Certificate of Research Excellence) today during EDRA’s 45th annual conference, EDRA45NewOrleans. A pilot program over the next three years, EDRA CORE will serve as a measurement to assess the value of research that goes beyond rigor alone.
EDRA CORE’s unique evaluation framework 1) identifies practice-based environmental design research that is not only rigorous, but also offers measurable value, meets industry challenges, and advances design thinking; 2) recognizes the importance of research in practice; 3) provides a compass to guide designers, researchers, organizations, and manufacturers; and 4) builds on EDRA’s tradition of inquiry, reflection, and collaboration and its commitment to innovation. This framework will continue to evolve over the next three years based on applications received, and feedback from members of the application review committee.
“The Certificate of Research Excellence will be awarded to research projects in practice that meet the CORE criteria, based on the review of a cross-disciplinary team of academic researchers, practice-based researchers, designers, and industry thought leaders,” said Kate O’Donnell, EDRA Executive Director. “We look forward to receiving the applications this fall and introducing a concrete assessment measure to valuable design research.”
Organizations/firms or individuals wishing to submit their project to be evaluated can do so by completing and submitting the application form. Applications will be available June 1, and will be accepted October 1 - November 15, 2014. More information about EDRA CORE’s evaluation framework and application process are available on EDRA’s website.
In 2011, EDRA assembled a team of innovative research and design professionals to develop this pilot program. Committee members include: Sally Augustin, Ph.D., Design Research Connections; Maude Baggetto, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; Margaret Calkins, Ph.D., CAPS, EDAC, IDEAS Institute; Emily Chmielewski, EDAC, Perkins Eastman; Isilay Civan, LEED AP O+M, HOK; Jay Farbstein, Ph.D., Jay Farbstein & Associates; Alice M. Gittler, EDAC, LEED AP; Whitney Austin Gray, Ph.D., LEED AP, Cannon Design; Amy Keller, EDAC, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; D. Michael Murtha; Upali Nanda, Ph.D., Associate AIA, EDAC, HKS; Debajyoti Pati, Ph.D., FIIA, LEED AP, Texas Tech University; Melissa Piatkowski, EDAC, Davis Partnership Architects; Erin Peavey, AIA, LEED AP+BD+C, EDAC, HOK; Zhe Wang, Ph.D., RA, LEED AP, International Green and Henan University; Nicholas Watkins, Ph.D., BBH Design; and Richard Wener, Ph.D., Polytechnic University.
EDRA sincerely appreciates the generous support provided by volunteers and partners to help develop and launch the initiative. More information about opportunities for support is available.
About EDRA: The Environmental Design Research Association is an international, interdisciplinary organization founded in 1969 by architects and psychologists concerned with integrating people's needs in shaping the built environment. EDRA exists to advance and disseminate environmental design research, thereby improving understanding of the inter-relationships of people with their built and natural surroundings toward creation and curation of environments responsive to human needs. For more information, visit http://www.edra.org.
Diana Cummins, Environmental Design Research Association, http://www.edra.org, +1 (703) 506-2895, [email protected]
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