while the first two chapters start out good, if afterwards turns into advertising for American architecture and technology companies. a bit too uncritical for my taste, particularly the last chapter about space settlements. ( )

Nicht ganz das, was ich erwartet habe, es geht viel um Innenräume die nichts mit dem privaten Zuhause zu tun haben, Gefängnisse, Krankenhäuser, Leben auf dem Mars..... ( )

I so enjoyed reading The Great Indoors. Every chapter was enlightening and interesting, the science made accessible and relevant. Emily Anthes wisely introduces readers to cutting-edge insights and ideas through a series of first person experiences of applied science.

I have been isolating in place since March 11, 2020. With very few trips into the world other than neighborhood walks; my life has been spent indoors. Our son, like millions of people, has worked from home. School closings meant our neighbor's children were educated from home.

Anthes begins her journey at home, the "indoor jungle" of microbial and insect species that we share our space with. Of course, many of these originate in our own bodies! Our personal bacteria, and those of our pets (who introduce outdoor microbes) create a personal, unique biome that we recreate wherever we take domicile.

Next, Anthes stops at the hospital. Those bacteria we share in our home get shared in the hospital rooms, persisting even after cleaning. Sure, we have come a long way; what more can be done? Anyone who has been overnight in a hospital knows the issues: sounds and lights that prevent sleep and raise stress; the awful views of roofs or walls from the windows. Studies prove that patients recuperate quicker and better when they have private rooms with a view.

Buildings themselves lead to the health issues that send us to hospital care in the first place. Giving people ways to exercise, encouraging the use of walking and stairs can help. Starting in elementary schools. Anthes visited a school built to encourage movement and good eating choices.

Finding the balance between privacy and communal interaction is a continuing workplace challenge. Cubicles are being replaced by unassigned workstations. I remember wearing a sweater in summertime air conditioning, and short sleeves in overheated winter offices. What is the best option--working in a crowded room or isolated in a private office?

The chapter on building to accommodate all people, including the disabled and handicapped, has broadened to include people on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Since every Autistic person has different needs, no one plant fits every need. We meet people seeking a space that allows independent living.

The history of prisons is a dark one, for even the 'improvements' were harsh. Quakers believed in reformation through isolation that allowed contemplation and repentance. The Philadelphia penitentiary built to enforce this isolation morphed into today's solitary confinement, which has proved to exacerbate mental health issues. Anthes visits a prison that feel home-like, with direct supervision and interaction between staff and inmates, have proven successful. Of course, the real solution to mass incarceration is investing in communities and addressing the root causes of crime.

Smart devices are all the rage. Some of us already are living a Jetsons life with high-tech homes. Robot vacuums and programmable appliances are fast becoming old technology. There are mirrors that can detect cardiovascular issues based on skin color. Senior residential floors that alert staff to falls. The implications are both comforting and disconcerting!

Soon after we moved into our retirement home, our community suffered a rare flood that destroyed thousands of home basements. It took years for most to haul out the damage and make repairs, with local contractors overwhelmed with work. We were lucky; situated on a hill, and having addressed basement cracks, we stayed dry. But for millions, flooding and rising water levels is a continual threat. It is amazing to read about floating homes and how houses can be retrofitted on a budget.

Last year I read about a woman's experience of live on Mars. Well, at least life in a biodome that recreated what it would be like to live in community on Mars. Scientists are studying what kind of buildings would be needed to live on the moon or on another planet. Even IKEA has been involved.

Every part of your life is addressed in The Great Indoors. Home, health, learning, independence, and the future.

I received a free book from the publisher through Goodreads. ( )

I expected a dry read that would take me weeks but what a surprise! This book was fascinating and interesting. I like how she explained the biome in our houses and how it differed from other areas' homes biomes. She explained things so clearly.

I enjoyed as she explored the research into how architects are designing buildings better able to help us rather than hinder us. There was no favorite part for me but the stories of how people are using building design and bringing the outdoors indoors helped keep it interesting. As she is showing how schools, prisons, hospitals, accommodations for those with physical and mental disabilities, natural disaster areas, and outer space, she lets the architects, engineers, advocates, families, and users of these new designs explain the advantages over the traditional designs. Their voices add a level that makes it understandable. I hope that some of these design features (i.e. those in an assisted living facility, disaster areas, flood areas) come to an affordable fruition.

This is worth your time. Now when my mother asks me why I don't clean more often, I can say that I don't want to destroy an endangered species or an unknown species (Read chapter 1!) There is humor here and this is the most fun I've had reading non-fiction this month. ( )