At a general session of the ULI Carolinas Meeting moderated by Risa Wilkerson of Healthy Places by Design, showcased how the convergence of the built environment, health and equity forms a complex web that impacts every facet of human life. Dr. Malo Andrew Hutson, a distinguished academic at the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture, provided a deep dive into how residential segregation and the built environment contribute to health disparities. Through his lecture, Dr. Hutson underscored the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle the challenges posed by fragmentation within communities. 

Dr. Hutson presented a comprehensive model detailing the factors affecting health, which include not only genetics but also social and economic policies, institutions, neighborhood conditions, living standards, social relationships, and individual risk factors. He made it clear that while genetics plays a role, it’s only a fraction of the equation, with a large portion of health outcomes being determined by the environment and social conditions. 

About the Author:  Julianne McCollum is the Head Quack for Yellow Duck Marketing.  She has been responsible for managing corporate brands and their public relations through expansion and contraction. She is passionate about consumer experience and making things as intuitive and relevant as possible for the customer. She is energized by helping organizations develop strategies to grow or focus their business.