Research
Research to generate new knowledge that supports evidence-based design is a top NLI priority. Included is the post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of model environments (new construction and renovation), created by NLI and others, and the testing and evaluation of design prototypes. Behavior mapping developed by NLI over the last two decades is now a paperless method using handheld devices for observing behavior and associated social interactions, environmental attributes, and physical elements. NLI research projects are often conducted with interdisciplinary partners at NC State University and other universities and research centers nationally and internationally.
Major funding has been provided by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), The National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF, through Active Living Research, San Diego State University), the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of North Carolina (BCBSNC), the Buffalo Hospital Foundation (BHF), and the John Rex Endowment.
Looking forOther NLI publications?
Research Articles/Reports
Protected: Bee Vision Bee Hotel – Seeing the World Through Pollinator Eyes
Hands-on Childcare Garden Intervention
The effect of different COVID-19 public health restrictions on mobility: A systematic review
The Necessity of Urban Green Space for Children’s Optimal Development
Active and Healthy Environments for Adolescents (AHEAD)
A National Research Agenda Supporting Green Schoolyard Development and Equitable Access to Nature
Colorado Regulatory Guide- Playing by the Rules
Research Brief: Impact of Naturalized Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environments
My Place by The Bay: Prepared Environments for Early Science Learning
Kids Together Playground Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE)
Growing Up in Cities
Pathways for Play: Best Practice Guidelines
Nature Grounds: Best Practice Guidelines
Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale POEMS
Head Start Growth and Readiness in the Outdoor World (HS-GROW)
Investigating Parks for Active Recreation for Kids (I-PARK)
Measuring Physical Activity Affordances in Preschool Outdoor Environments
Motivation to Move: Physical Activity Affordances in Outdoor Preschool Areas
Investigating the Effect of Curricular and Environmental Change on Physical Activity
Creating a Supportive Network and Training Resources
Montessori Schools and the Designed Environment
Natural Play and Learning Area Guidelines Project
Behavior Mapping: A Method for Linking Preschool Physical Activity and Outdoor Design
What makes a park inclusive and universally designed? A multi-method approach
Developing evidence-based design: Environmental interventions for healthy development of young children in the outdoors
Our Neighbourhood is Like That! Cultural Richness and Childhood Identity in Boca-Baraccas, Buenos Aires
Streets as Playgrounds
Playgrounds at the Crossroads: Policy and Action Research Needed to Ensure a Viable Future for Public Playgrounds
Exploring Childhood Territories
Childhood Outdoors: Toward a Social Ecology of the Landscape
Growing Up Green: Naturalization as a Health Promotion Strategy
Child-Friendly, Active, Healthy Neighborhoods: Physical Characteristics and Children’s Time Outdoors
Using Behavior Mapping to Investigate Healthy Outdoor Environments for Children and Families: Conceptual Framework, Procedures and Applications
Increasing Physical Activity in Childcare Outdoor Learning Environments: The Effect of Setting Adjacency Relative to Other Built Environment and Social Factors
