Green Design: Biophilia and the Human Affinity for Nature

Biography

Mara Baum, AIA, LEED AP, EDAC, is a designer and sustainability specialist at Anshen+Allen Architects in San Francisco. She received her Master of Architecture and Master of City Planning from University of California Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts in architecture from Washington University.  She has been a LEED Accredited Professional for 8 years and also carries the new EDAC (Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification) accreditation in healthcare design research. Her professional interests include holistic approaches to net zero energy and water use, human health and well being, and urban and regional planning and design. Much of her current work in hospital design focuses on the intersection between ecological considerations and the creation of a healthy and healing built environment; Mara is a contributing designer and researcher to Anshen+Allen's Green Patient Lab, a national travelling exhibit on green healthcare design. Mara's diverse professional experience includes work in green building consulting, a building science research, higher education, architecture and urban design.  Mara also teaches LEED and sustainability classes within Anshen+Allen and in the Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture Programs at California College of the Arts.