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.

Research Articles/Reports

Hands-on Childcare Garden Intervention

Hands-on Childcare Garden Intervention

The effect of different COVID-19 public health restrictions on mobility: A systematic review

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

The Necessity of Urban Green Space for Children’s Optimal Development

Active and Healthy Environments for Adolescents (AHEAD)

Active and Healthy Environments for Adolescents (AHEAD)

A National Research Agenda Supporting Green Schoolyard Development and Equitable Access to Nature

A National Research Agenda Supporting Green Schoolyard Development and Equitable Access to Nature

Colorado Regulatory Guide- Playing by the Rules

Colorado Regulatory Guide- Playing by the Rules

Research Brief: Impact of Naturalized Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environments

Research Brief: Impact of Naturalized Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environments

Behavior Mapping: A Method for Linking Preschool Physical Activity and Outdoor Design

Behavior Mapping: A Method for Linking Preschool Physical Activity and Outdoor Design

What makes a park inclusive and universally designed? A multi-method approach

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

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

Our Neighbourhood is Like That! Cultural Richness and Childhood Identity in Boca-Baraccas, Buenos Aires

Streets as Playgrounds

Streets as Playgrounds

Playgrounds at the Crossroads: Policy and Action Research Needed to Ensure a Viable Future for Public Playgrounds

Playgrounds at the Crossroads: Policy and Action Research Needed to Ensure a Viable Future for Public Playgrounds

Exploring Childhood Territories

Exploring Childhood Territories

Childhood Outdoors: Toward a Social Ecology of the Landscape

Childhood Outdoors: Toward a Social Ecology of the Landscape

Growing Up Green: Naturalization as a Health Promotion Strategy

Growing Up Green: Naturalization as a Health Promotion Strategy

Child-Friendly, Active, Healthy Neighborhoods: Physical Characteristics and Children’s Time Outdoors

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

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

Increasing Physical Activity in Childcare Outdoor Learning Environments: The Effect of Setting Adjacency Relative to Other Built Environment and Social Factors

Childcare Outdoor Renovation as a Health Promotion Strategy

Childcare Outdoor Renovation as a Health Promotion Strategy

Creating a Supportive Network and Training Resources

Creating a Supportive Network and Training Resources

Growing Up in Cities

Growing Up in Cities

Head Start Growth and Readiness in the Outdoor World (HS-GROW)

Head Start Growth and Readiness in the Outdoor World (HS-GROW)

Investigating Parks for Active Recreation for Kids (I-PARK)

Investigating Parks for Active Recreation for Kids (I-PARK)

Investigating the Effect of Curricular and Environmental Change on Physical Activity

Investigating the Effect of Curricular and Environmental Change on Physical Activity

Kids Together Playground Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE)

Kids Together Playground Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE)

Measuring Physical Activity Affordances in Preschool Outdoor Environments

Measuring Physical Activity Affordances in Preschool Outdoor Environments

Montessori Schools and the Designed Environment

Montessori Schools and the Designed Environment

Motivation to Move: Physical Activity Affordances in Outdoor Preschool Areas

Motivation to Move: Physical Activity Affordances in Outdoor Preschool Areas

My Place by The Bay: Prepared Environments for Early Science Learning

My Place by The Bay: Prepared Environments for Early Science Learning

Natural Play and Learning Area Guidelines Project

Natural Play and Learning Area Guidelines Project

Nature Grounds: Best Practice Guidelines

Nature Grounds: Best Practice Guidelines

Pathways for Play: Best Practice Guidelines

Pathways for Play: Best Practice Guidelines

Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale POEMS (2005)

Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale POEMS (2005)