The Healthy Homes course offers a comprehensive exploration of how the built environment can serve as a powerful public health intervention. This course uses the Star Homes Project as a central case study, providing a deep dive into the health challenges faced by many in rural Sub-Saharan Africa and demonstrating how thoughtful housing design can significantly reduce or even eliminate these risks.

At the core of this course are three major preventable disease categories: vectorborne diseases such as malaria, enteric diseases like diarrhea, and respiratory diseases including those caused by smoke inhalation. Students will gain invaluable insights into how architectural and environmental modifications can address these health concerns effectively.

Beyond theory, the course provides practical knowledge on conducting field studies, gathering data, and collecting user feedback to assess the impact of various building interventions. This hands-on approach ensures that students not only understand the concepts but can also apply them in real-world scenarios.

The curriculum concludes with essential skills in project documentation and dissemination, empowering students to share their findings with a broader audience. Additionally, it covers methods for iterative improvement, fostering a culture of continuous enhancement in future projects.

What sets this course apart is its diverse array of presenters. Leading health and architecture researchers, public health specialists working in the field, and Tanzanian homeowners all contribute their expertise and experiences. This multi-faceted approach contextualizes the course content, providing students with a rich, nuanced understanding of the subject matter and its real-world applications.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply interested in the intersection of public health and architecture, this course offers a unique opportunity to learn how innovative design can create healthier living environments and improve lives in meaningful ways.

Who this course is for:

• Students and professionals in architecture, design, medicine, public health, and sustainable development
• Anyone interested in the intersection of health and architecture
• Individuals curious about innovative approaches to public health challenges in rural Sub-Saharan Africa