This issue of Perkins and Will Research Journal includes five articles focusing on different research topics.

“Using a Lean Perspective to Explore the Impact of the Built Environment and Operations on the Retention of Patients in an Outpatient Care Delivery Setting” discusses how lean design principles have been used to improve operations of an outpatient clinic for treatment of HIV and AIDS. Observational studies, value stream mapping and utilization analyses were used to assess patient flow and services within the clinic, and findings were used to identify how the built environment can be modified to improve patient care and operations of this facility.

“Holding the Sun at Bay: A Study in the Development of the Double-Skin Façade for the Case Western Reserve University Tinkham Veale University Center” presents research that was conducted during the design of this academic building, focusing on innovative facade technologies. During the early stages of the design, the team investigated several different options for the west facade. The findings indicated that the double skin facade was the best solution, and series of subsequent studies were performed to determine its functionality.

“Achieving Energy Independence: Methods and Case Studies in Healthcare for Use of Waste to Energy Technologies” reviews different waste-to-energy technologies, and how healthcare facilities can employ these technologies. The article is a literature review, environmental aspects, financing concepts, as well as case studies. The conclusion indicates that there is a potential to implement these technologies in healthcare facilities, and that there are environmental and economic benefits for their integration.

“Interdisciplinary Training in Medical Simulation: A Comparison of Team Training Courses in Simulation Programs in Hospital Healthcare Systems, Medical Schools, and Nursing Schools” discusses medical simulation training and identifies how this learning style can impact the design of simulation centers. The article reviews existing research regarding team-based simulations in medical and educational facilities. Also, several case studies are reviewed that illustrate how the built environment should be designed to support this type of training. Conclusions indicate that simulation centers are evolving at a rapid pace, and that flexibility of use is a key aspect for architectural design.

“A Zero Net Energy Building Pilot Study: Low Energy Strategies for Weygand Residence Hall at Bridgewater State University” presents research that was conducted during the design of this residence hall. The article reviews the design process and analyses that were conducted to investigate different design strategies, building systems, renewable energy sources, as well as operational and maintenance factors. Conclusions suggest that high occupancy and significant energy demand in residence halls require consideration of new ideas about energy consumption, as well as changes in operation to drastically improve building performance.