The Healthy Materials Lab Expands to Europe

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Healthy Materials Lab to Europe with the establishment of Healthy Materials Lab EU gGmbH (HML EU) in Wiesbaden, Germany. Co-founded by Leila Diana Behjat and Alison Mears in June 2024, this new office underscores our commitment to advancing healthier design and construction practices on a global scale.

Healthy Materials Lab EU operates as a sister organization to Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design (HML US), working closely to exchange knowledge, accelerate the development and adoption of healthier materials, and champion design practices that prioritize both human and environmental health. Together, these non-profit, design-led research labs are redefining the role of health in design decisions worldwide.

HML EU is driven by a commitment to deep exploration and innovative problem-solving in material research, architecture, and interior design. Leila Behjat, an architect and material ecology specialist with over 19 years of combined experience in practice and research, and Alison Mears, an award-winning architect and educator at the forefront of healthy building materials since co-founding Parsons Healthy Materials Lab in 2015, bring a wealth of expertise and a shared vision to reimagine how materials shape our built environment.

Our interdisciplinary team, comprising design researchers, architects, educators, and interior designers, synthesizes rigorous research into actionable, health-conscious solutions. We see opportunities for radical change—solutions that not only adapt but thrive within the current and future demands of sustainable construction.

Research, Collaboration, and Impact At HML EU, our methodology fuels systemic change in the building industry through:

• Research-Driven Design: We begin with rigorous research, exploring material science, traditional craft practices, and innovative manufacturing methods to uncover the healthiest options available.
• Synthesis and Application: Our findings translate into actionable strategies, creating scalable solutions that advance environmental and social well-being.
• Collaboration and Impact: By partnering with community craftspeople, municipal bodies, and private stakeholders, we reimagine and rebuild healthier neighborhoods, cities, and public spaces for the benefit of people and the planet.

Key Projects and Partnerships Since becoming an official partner of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) in June 2023, Healthy Materials Lab has contributed to transformative initiatives such as the NEB Festival in Brussels and Munich Creative Business Week. Our collaborative efforts have led to coalitions with partners across the EU, including Duracryl Global Flooring, TRIQBRIQ, KEIMFARBEN GMBH, Fundermax, HempWood®, EcoCocon, and Xyhlo @NatureCoatings.

HML EU is currently engaged in transformative projects across Europe, including:

• Renovating an abandoned space in Barcelona into a hub for material innovation and education.
• Adapting municipally owned buildings in Ukraine to incorporate social housing and healthier, community-centered designs in collaboration with the municipality of Kryvyi Rih, NeoEco Ukraine and The University of Kharkiv.
• Supporting Slovenian municipalities and creative centers in transitioning to sustainable material practices.
• Developing a specialized materials collection in Switzerland to improve healthcare environments.

We are also strengthening relationships with European manufacturers and building bridges between Europe and the United States to facilitate the adoption of healthier, sustainable materials on both sides of the Atlantic.

Whether through renovating spaces or envisioning the future of urban development, HML EU is dedicated to making healthier materials the foundation of tomorrow’s world. We are grateful for the collaboration of our incredible partners in pursuit of this shared vision.

Stay tuned for updates on our evolving projects and initiatives as we continue to change the way we build—our homes, our buildings, and our cities. Follow our LinkedIn page dedicated to HML EU projects.