A framework for incorporating the prevention of infectious disease transmission into the landscape design process

This thesis is an investigation of the relationship between infectious disease transmission and landscape planning and design. The goal of the study Is to determine ways in which landscape architects can positively impact human health through designs that minimize the risk of infectious disease transmission. The ecology of Lyme disease in North America is used as a case study for the examination of the relationship between infectious disease transmission and landscape planning and design. The study consists of an extensive review of existing literature pertaining to the ecology of infectious diseases, the ecology of Lyme disease, and the planning and design process; the Integration of this information; and the development of a set of guidelines for policy-making, planning, design, and management. The information gathered through the literature review is integrated into a disease control framework that consists of a generic decision tree, and a Landscape Feature Checklist that is specific to Lyme disease.