Essential New Book on Evidence-based Design

I've just finished reading Jain Malkin's new book: A Visual Reference for Evidence-Based Design.

This is a significant book that should be on the desk of everyone involved with HealthCare design.

It describes in clear language how and why you should use Evidence-based Design. Malkin digs in deep and presents the research behind Evidence-based Design (EBD).  Thankfully, she does this in a practical, non-threatening way. This is not a dry academic text but rather a useful handbook, a reference you will want to use frequently when working on projects.

Even more important, since Design is a visual process, the book is filled with hundreds of large full-color pictures that illustrate what she is writing about. These are not just pretty pictures; they frequently have lines drawn to point out key design features.

Summary:

• Outstanding. A "Must Buy"
• The most important book available on Evidence-based Design.

Pros:

• Clear, practical writing
• Visually rich

Cons:

• Not much about the use of Art in Healthcare (only two pages!)
• Expensive ($200)

Minor issues:
I found the way that the  illustrations were clustered after each chapter to be confusing. Why not put them in the body of the text?

I disagree with her emphasis on infection control. Not that it is not important, but I think she over-emphasizes it. In her interview she says: "Infection control is such a big issue today; it has to be the No. 1 thing that architects and designers understand."

Why isn't this book available on Amazon.com? The only way to purchase it now is through the Center for Health Design: click here

The May/June 2008 HC&O News just arrived with a splashy front cover featuring the book. They also have an interview with Jain about the book which you can read by clicking here

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