This informal CPD article ‘The Significance of Wellbeing Design in Architecture: A Specialised Niche’ was provided by Frven Lim of WHAD-FLYT. WHAD stands for Wellbeing+Happiness through Architecture+Design and helps design practices show how well-designed environments improve physical and mental well-being.
In recent years, the focus on health and wellbeing has expanded from the personal sphere into various professional practices, with architecture at the forefront. Wellbeing design, a growing and specialised discipline within architecture, emphasises the critical relationship between the built environment and human health. As the impact of physical spaces on our mental and physical wellbeing becomes increasingly apparent, architects need to adopt a holistic approach that goes beyond the traditional focus on functional performance or aesthetics.
The Role of Architecture in Wellbeing
Architecture’s influence extends beyond mere shelter or aesthetics; it significantly shapes our mental and emotional states. However, a prevailing misconception is that design solely serves functional or visual purposes, overlooking its profound impact on human wellbeing. This perspective needs to be challenged, as our surroundings can enhance human relationships, emotional growth, and mental health.
By addressing these deeper dimensions, wellbeing design creates environments conducive to positive mental states and healthy routines. It advocates for a new perception of architecture as more than just physical structures, positioning it instead as an integral component of human health. In doing so, wellbeing design calls for architects to design spaces that actively contribute to improving occupants’ lives.
The Interconnection Between Mental Health and Physical Spaces
Wellbeing design recognises the powerful influence of the physical environment on human behaviour, habits, and daily routines. The interplay between mental health and spatial configurations requires architects to consider how factors such as layout, lighting, materials, and acoustics affect those who interact with them.
Minor yet thoughtful changes to a space can lead to significant improvements in mental wellbeing. For instance, adjusting the placement of furniture to facilitate movement or interaction can enhance daily routines and boost overall mental states. In this sense, architects have the power to create environments that promote both physical and mental health through deliberate design interventions.
The Senses and Their Influence on Space
Wellbeing design extends beyond the visual, encompassing a multisensory approach that engages sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, and proprioception (awareness of body position and movement). Each sense plays a role in how we perceive and interact with our surroundings, influencing our emotions, mood, and mental health.
For example, the choice of materials and textures can significantly affect how a space feels, evoking sensations of calmness or warmth. Similarly, soundscapes can either contribute to a sense of tranquility or create stress, depending on how noise is managed within a building. By taking these sensory elements into account, architects can design environments that nurture a sense of comfort, safety, and positivity.
Spatial Configurations for Positive Habits
The configuration of spaces plays a crucial role in fostering positive daily habits and routines. A well-designed environment encourages movement, social interaction, and rest, all of which are essential for a healthy lifestyle. Simple tweaks, such as incorporating natural elements like plants, maximising natural light, or creating open layouts, can subtly influence behaviours and promote healthier habits.
For example, a workplace that includes inviting stairwells, strategically placed greenery, and natural lighting can encourage physical activity and enhance employees’ mental wellbeing. Similarly, a home layout that offers comfortable, flexible spaces can support various activities, such as exercise, relaxation, or socialising, contributing to a balanced lifestyle. Architects have a unique opportunity to design spaces that guide occupants toward healthier ways of living, facilitating routines that enhance both mental and physical health.
The Architect’s Role in Wellbeing Design
To truly embrace wellbeing design, architects must not only be creators of physical spaces but also facilitators of mental and physical health. This requires a deep understanding of psychology, neuroscience, and anthropology, as well as a commitment to ongoing professional development. Knowledge from various disciplines can enrich architectural design, enabling architects to craft environments that resonate with human needs on a deeper level.
As a relatively new niche in architecture, wellbeing design offers a significant area for professional growth. It calls for architects to engage with concepts such as the influence of spatial configurations on mental states, the impact of sensory stimuli, and the role of physical activity in overall wellbeing.
Conclusion
The built environment is an integral component of our mental and physical wellbeing. Wellbeing design challenges architects to go beyond conventional aesthetics and functionality, urging them to create spaces that nurture and elevate human experiences. By understanding the intricate relationship between mental health and physical spaces, architects can play a pivotal role in cultivating environments that foster positive habits and enhance daily routines.
Wellbeing design is not just a passing trend; it is an essential and evolving discipline that holds immense potential to improve lives. Architects are encouraged to delve into this niche field, adopt a holistic design approach, and embrace knowledge from other disciplines. Through CPD and self-study, architects can equip themselves to become advocates for mental and physical health in their designs. In doing so, they will not only shape the structures around us but also contribute significantly to the wellbeing of those who inhabit them.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from WHAD-FLYT, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
