BRIK: A Useful Link to Architecture Research – hosted by the American Institute of Architects

Building Information Research Knowldgebase – BRIK is a useful site for all kinds of architecture-oriented research. Here’s a link to the database of built environment research hosted by AIA with NIBS: http://www.brikbase.org/.

Self-described as “your information portal to professionally reviewed research in the built environment for professionals by professionals”

Here is an example of a useful post found by searching within the site for “microbial:” “Six Ways for Condensation in Buildings.” Of course moisture is a critical factor in the occurrence of microbes in the built environment, as visitors to this web site are keenly aware. Another, found by searching for “mold” was The Inherent Risk of Going Green. For both of these there are downloadable files available that are papers presented at a conference. A third example is “Lessons from Visualizing the Functions of the Building Enclosure.”

Also available on the home page of the web site are links to some of the most important architectural research organizations and related societies:
1. EDRA, an old favorite of mine, Environmental Design Research Association http://www.brikbase.org/content/environmental-design-research-association-edra.
2. Architectural Research Centers Consortium, Inc. (ARCC)
3. The Center for Health Design
4. Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES)