August 2013

The Institute: Where SCIENCE MEETS DESIGN™

The mission of the National Institute of Building Sciences is to “. . . serve the nation and the public interest by supporting advances in building science and technology to improve the built environment.” The Institute pursues this goal by forging a balanced perspective toward problem-solving through the infusion of evidence-based research and science into the creative processes of environmental design. It is truly where SCIENCE MEETS DESIGN™.

SCIENCE MEETS DESIGN™ in every program area of the Institute. It is the foundation of our buildingSMART alliance™ projects, through which building information modeling (BIM) brings the science of metrics and its attendant accountability to the time-true art of building design.

It connotes the measure by which our Scientific Resolution Panel, convened for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, evaluates the science behind conflicting flood data to bring just resolution to communities at risk.

It serves as the calling for the Low Vision Design Committee as they strive to demonstrate to the codes and standards community that there is evidence that we can and should design a better world for people with low vision.

It is proven when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shares its Integrated Rapid Visual Screening tool with other agencies to help keep the nation’s buildings secure.

It is demonstrated when the U.S. General Services Administration incorporates performance-based measurements and verification into its P100 Performance-Based Building Standard.

Displaying the work of the Institute’s councils and programs on the Whole Building Design Guide provides the world with a look inside the Institute and how SCIENCE MEETS DESIGN™.

Capturing the true measure of how SCIENCE MEETS DESIGN™ is a goal in each of the Institute projects and assignments. As a volunteer working in the various councils you can be a part of the effort to meet this challenge.