This informal CPD article ‘How are Architects and Architecture different today?’ 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.
A look into how Architecture affects holistic wellbeing
When we think about architecture, we usually picture buildings – impressive, functional, sometimes beautiful. But what if I told you architecture has the power to impact how we feel, think, and even how we behave every day? That’s the idea behind wellbeing design, an emerging focus in architecture that recognises how deeply our surroundings affect our mental and physical health. Here are three reasons why you should be paying attention to it.
It’s About More Than Just Aesthetics
We’re used to thinking of architecture as primarily visual. The form, materials, and colours of a space capture our attention and set a tone. But wellbeing design goes deeper. It’s about designing spaces that aren’t just visually impressive but that feel good and nurture our mental and emotional states.
This approach takes into account all the senses, which play a significant role in shaping our experiences. For example, lighting is more than just brightness; it can either energise us or calm us down. Natural light has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost productivity. Similarly, soundscapes within a building – whether it’s the subtle hum of background noise or an intentional silence – can either create calm or add to our stress.
Then there’s material texture. Think about the difference between walking barefoot on a warm, wooden floor versus cold, hard tiles. The sensation alone can change how relaxed we feel in a space. A room designed with wellbeing in mind will consider the tactile experience, incorporating materials that promote comfort, warmth, and security. Architects working with wellbeing design aim to create spaces that engage us in ways that help us feel balanced and at ease, rather than just visually entertained.
Wellbeing Design Encourages Healthier Habits
The way a space is laid out can shape our behaviour – sometimes without us even realising it. A well-designed environment can subtly encourage us to make better choices, such as moving more, interacting with others, or finding moments of relaxation. Wellbeing design has the power to create these kinds of environments, helping us adopt healthier habits that contribute to our overall mental and physical health.
One example of this in action is the use of open and inviting stairwells in workplaces. Rather than designing hidden staircases that people rarely use, architects can place stairwells in visually appealing areas with natural light and plants. This small change makes it more likely for people to choose stairs over elevators, increasing daily movement without them even realising it. Similarly, adding elements like strategically placed greenery or natural light in social spaces can encourage more casual conversations, reducing feelings of isolation and supporting mental health.
At home, wellbeing design can encourage a better lifestyle, too. Simple tweaks like creating open spaces that invite natural light, or having designated areas for relaxation, can support routines that enhance wellbeing. When a living room or bedroom is designed with calm and comfort in mind, it can help people unwind after a long day, supporting healthier routines in daily life. This isn’t about creating luxury; it’s about small adjustments that work naturally with how we live and how our brains function, shaping our habits and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Architects Are Becoming More Than Just Builders
Architects today are stepping into a new role that goes beyond the technical and aesthetic aspects of their work. They are becoming experts in human wellbeing, learning about psychology, neuroscience, and how our environments affect us on a deep level. This shift means they are creating spaces that don’t just look appealing but actively improve our lives by supporting our mental and physical health.
This evolving role means that architects are drawing on insights from other fields to design spaces that positively impact our mental health. Studies show that our surroundings can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and support healing, simply by how they’re designed. With wellbeing design, architects are intentionally creating environments that make people feel more relaxed, more connected, and better able to focus.
Understanding human psychology and behaviour is now essential for architects in this field. Architects must consider questions like, “How does the layout of a room affect people’s movement?” or “What colours and textures promote calm or energy?” This approach allows them to create spaces that support mental health goals, such as reducing stress and encouraging mindfulness. By learning from other disciplines and embracing wellbeing design, architects can provide environments that foster healthier, happier lives.
Conclusion
Wellbeing design is the future. Architects today have the power to shape not just buildings, but the wellbeing of the people who use them. A truly well-designed space will go beyond aesthetics and functionality, thoughtfully addressing the sensory experiences, routines, and emotional states of those who inhabit it.
With the right knowledge and a commitment to learning, architects can design spaces that help us live better and feel better every day. Whether through improving a workplace, creating a more peaceful home, or designing public spaces that foster community, wellbeing design holds the potential to enhance lives and support health in a profound way. So, next time you step into a space that feels just right – where you feel calm, connected, and comfortable – remember that it might be more than just good design; it might be wellbeing design at work.
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