Name: We're covered in germs. Let's design for that.
Uploaded: 2013-03-25T15:33:52Z
Duration: 8 min 29 s
Description: Our bodies and homes are covered in microbes -- some good for us, some bad for us. As we learn more about the germs and microbes who share our living spaces, TED Fellow Jessica Green asks: Can we design buildings that encourage happy, healthy microbial environments?

Our bodies and homes are covered in microbes -- some good for us, some bad for us. As we learn more about the germs and microbes who share our living spaces, TED Fellow Jessica Green asks: Can we design buildings that encourage happy, healthy microbial environments?

We're covered in germs. Let's design for that.

Every surface, from desks to doorknobs, is a busy ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Trillions of microbes not only cover our bodies but also flow through the buildings we inhabit. By studying dust from over 300 rooms, researchers revealed that design choices, like ventilation and room layout, can dramatically alter these hidden microbial communities. Harnessing this knowledge opens up new ways to support human health and wellbeing through intentional, biology-informed design.

Invisible Microbes Shape Our Health And Our Buildings

How the microbiome shapes our world

TED Fellows

architecture

biodiversity

biology

collaboration

design

science

microbiology

health

ecology

climate change

sustainability

data

visualizations

environment

TED Stage Talk

Jessica Green: We're covered in germs. Let's design for that.