Can a well-designed environment help us function better in stressful situations? The science of ergonomics suggests that it can. And in fact, a Miami international alumnus has made it her mission to improve one of the most stressful environments around: medical faciltiies.

Dr. Sara Bayramzadeh (M. Arch 2011) is recognized for her research on designs of psychiatric units and operating rooms. Currently the Coordinator of and Elliot Professor in the Healthcare Design program at Kent State, Bayramzadeh...

Sara is interested in interdisciplinary research efforts to enhance healthcare outcomes through effective environmental design. Such outcomes include efficiency and the safety and satisfaction of both patients and staff. As an advocate of interdisciplinary collaborations, she believes true innovation emerges from learning in the context of such collaborative efforts.

In addition, she is interested in opportunities to bridge academia and practice for design solutions derived from research and actively looks for ways to promote research in design practice. Her practice-based research experience includes collaborations with HGA Architects and Engineers and BBH Design.

Her research on outpatient facilities design, psychiatric units design, and surgical environments has appeared in journals such as Health Environments Design & Research, Applied Ergonomics, and BMJ Quality & Safety. Sara has been a recipient of multiple national and international awards, such as 2016 Joel Polsky Academic Achievement Award from the American Society of Interior Designers for outstanding dissertation and 2018 Best Paper Award from Applied Ergonomics Journal. She is a member of the AIA’s Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH). She is also involved with the Academy of Architecture for Health Foundation, AAH Next Generation Committee, and the AIA Cleveland Healthcare.

Before joining Kent State, Sara has held appointments as a Research Assistant Professor in Clemson University’s Architecture + Health program, a member of the Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing, and a Lecturer at the University of Kentucky. She holds a Master of Architecture from Miami University and a Ph.D. in Design, Construction and Planning with a concentration in Interior Design from the University of Florida (2015).

At Kent State University’s Healthcare Design Program, Bayramzadeh serves as the coordinator, an instructor, and a research lead. Her research areas are often focused on under-studied areas, such psychiatric facilities and trauma centers, which require significant innovative strategies. My contributions to these areas have been through design research and development of healthcare design guidelines informed by research. In my role as an educator and program coordinator, I strive to incorporate innovative educational experiences and train passionate and excellent leaders who can contribute to improvement of healthcare experience.

As an international alumnus, what was your experience like at Miami?

I had a wonderful experience at Miami University. The faculty and administration at the department of architecture were very supportive and understanding.

I enjoyed the facilities provided to us including the architecture library. I used to book the study rooms at the library to focus on my work and be more productive. Photography on campus was another favorite activity I had. The campus was breathtaking in all seasons, and even a simple walk on campus would bring so much joy and peace. I am very grateful for the opportunities that Miami University provided for me.

What are some of your current research interests and/or projects?

My research is focused on the impact of design on healthcare outcomes in healthcare facilities. Design can be a powerful tool to improve safety, experience, and efficiency of operations in healthcare facilities. Currently, I am leading a $2.4M federally funded project on the design of safer and more efficient Level I trauma rooms. This interdisciplinary project is a collaboration between architecture, nursing, and medicine and involves a large number of graduate research assistants.

What are some of the outcomes of your recent research?

Some of our most recent research activities were design thinking sessions and scenario-based simulations in a physical mock-up of a trauma room. The purpose of these activities was to find ways to improve workflow and reduce disruptions in the trauma room. We had clinicians as participants in these sessions and were able to solicit valuable feedback that helped us understand how some of the design elements are successful in improving clinicians’ workflow. We are working on using augmented reality as a design evaluation tool in our project as well.

About Sara Bayramzadeh

Assistant Professor, Architecture & Environmental Design
Coordinator and Elliot Professor
Kent State University

• PhD, University of Florida
• M. Arch., Miami University
• BA, Central Tehran, Azad University

Research Interests

• interdisciplinary efforts to enhance healthcare outcomes through effective environmental design

Current Projects

• Level I trauma room design project

Working with Simulations

The Design Team

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your research?

The team discusses design of a Trauma Room

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected my research both in positive and negative ways. The negatives would be a slower process and lack of direct observation of healthcare facilities. However, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. The pandemic challenged us to be more innovative and develop creative research approaches to overcome the shortcomings we experienced.

What are your plans for the coming year?

My plan is to continue working on the Level I trauma room design project. I would like to also expand my research in other areas related to healthcare such as infection control.