Themes

The equitable distribution and quality of care is affected by a range of social, economic and political factors. Using design, social sciences, and art we devise strategies to affect change in diverse care contexts.

Image Credit: Pop Courts by Lamar Johnson Collaborative

We focus on specific themes based on the evolving interests of faculty, students, and other collaborators from diverse organizations and contexts. Our current areas of focus are: Connection and Belonging; Health, Caregiving, and Wellbeing.

Theme #1

Connection and Belonging

In the US and elsewhere, the social fabric is being ripped apart by distrust, fear, isolation and loneliness, alienation, inequality, and othering (racism, xenophobia, homophobia, ageism, ableism), spiritual emptiness and tribal enmity. In 2023, Dr Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General, issued a General Advisory raising alarms about the epidemic of loneliness and Isolation and calling for action to address a public health crisis of loneliness and isolation.

Image Credit: Laura Nova/LES Citizen Parade

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Theme #2

Health, Caregiving, and Well Being

There are significant disparities in the access to and responsibility for care across communities. Quality health services are unequally distributed resulting in widespread health inequality in the United States and around the world. Caregiving has largely been borne by women and devalued by society.

Image Credit:kate_sept2004 iStock

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Theme #3

Built Environments and Placemaking

Our built environment including housing, schools, parks, libraries, offices, streets, and public spaces can have a vital effect on the health and wellbeing of people and our environment. Decisions about design, materials, location, affordability and access are critical in a caring approach to architecture and urban planning.

Image Credit: Street Lab (Uni Project)

Related Work

Contact Us

Get Involved

CareLab is an ever emergent initiative offering diverse opportunities for engagement: Take a course, propose a partnership, attend a workshop, join our community of practice, feature your work, communicate about related events and initiatives, or donate.
There are opportunities to engage as a student, faculty, or organizational partner.

To learn more, contact us at carelab@newschool.edu.