Breathing Into the Future: Creating Healthier Spaces for Resilient Cities & Communities

The second session of the Take a Breath webinar series continues the conversation on how indoor air quality, data, and design intersect to shape healthier, more resilient communities.

We often overlook that we spend over 90% of our time indoors, in spaces that could either support or compromise our health. Research indicates that buildings designed with air quality in mind, utilizing standards such as WELL, can enhance cognitive performance by 61%, particularly in complex decision-making environments (Allen et al., 2016). This makes indoor air a critical lever for public health, productivity, and future-ready city planning.

What to Expect in Session 2

This second session examines how data, design, and decisions can transform indoor spaces into environments that promote health and enhance community resilience.

🎙️ Expert Insights

Moderated by
Lama Saleh, Director of Programme Development and Partnerships at Goumbook and lead of the Take a Breath initiative

Featured Speakers

• Ms. Dima Al Srouri will discuss how urban planning, policy, and public engagement can prevent air pollution and prioritize clean air in city design.
• Dr. Jie Zhao will explore how indoor air quality impacts health, and how building standards like WELL use data and technology to improve it.
• Dr. Iyad Al-Attar will examine the limits of filtration and explain why true clean air needs behavior, policy, and system-wide changes working together.