HAD heads to parliament

Saira Hussain and Mousaf Chaudhary of Hussain Architectural Design have debated health, wellbeing and the relationship with architecture at the Houses of Parliament.

The debate was hosted by Keith Vaz and included experts from private industry, the University of Cambridge and respected doctors.

Saira has previously been involved in studying and designing for architecture and wellbeing.

She said: "Since the 19th century, we have learned to fight infectious diseases. Preventative measures have proven effective, if you build better buildings and infrastructure, incidents of infectious illnesses will decline.

"It happened in the 19th and 20th centuries with cholera and tuberculosis. Nowadays, the diseases that we face are often self-inflicted. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and obesity all have roots in the inactive lifestyles and poor dietary choices that many people have today.

"I believe building and its everyday uses and accommodations can inspire day-to-day healthy patterns." Saira founded Hussain Architectural Design in 2011. The company is based in Burnley with offices in Blackburn, Manchester and London,