Galen Cranz explores biomechanical, metabolic impacts of sitting in ‘Body Conscious Design’

University of California, Berkeley, architecture professor Galen Cranz, Ph.D., seeks solutions to the biomechanical and metabolic problems created by sitting for extended periods of time. In “Body Conscious Design,” Cranz investigates how the design of our chairs, one of our most common cultural artifacts, is influenced more by status than by how the human body works. To solve these issues, she proposes rethinking the design of seating at workstations and in schools and homes.

A sociologist and certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, Cranz teaches social-cultural approaches to architecture and urban design. Her book, “The Chair: Rethinking Culture, Body, and Design” received the 2004 Achievement Award from the Environmental Design Research Association.

“Body Conscious Design” is presented as part of the School of Building Arts Fall 2014 Lecture Series and is free and open to the public.