Mardelle Shepley

I view research as equal parts art and science. Without that truth my decades-long fascination with the discipline might have dissipated. Study hypotheses are brethren to design goals; in both cases the participant/observer is seeking to demonstrate the relationship between an objective and an outcome.

Because of this interpretation, my research is characterized by its translational content; my colleagues and I generate data that can be applied to built projects. Many of my studies involve rigorous pre- and post-occupancy evaluations, as evaluation research is readily applicable to practice. Broad dissemination is also critical to creating this link. To this end, I have presented at more than 140 conferences and authored/coauthored several books as well as more than 80 peer-reviewed and invited publications.

The second criterion that motivates my research is the satisfaction I receive from addressing social needs, in particular human health and well-being, and environmental sustainability. My forthcoming book, Design for Mental and Behavioral Health (spring, 2017), is a culmination of my desire to use design research to enhance the quality of life. A brief biography follows:

I am a professor in Design and Environmental Analysis and associate director of the Institute for Healthy Futures at Cornell University. I also serve on the graduate faculty in the Department of Architecture. My degrees include a masters in psychology and a doctorate in architecture.

I am a practicing architect and have been honored to be named a fellow in the American Institute of Architects and in the American College of Healthcare Architects. My books include Healthcare Environments for Children and their Families, A Practitioner’s Guide to Evidence-based Design, Design for Critical Care, Health Facility Evaluation for Design Practitioners and Design for Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care.

December 2016