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Wellness in the Home

January 6, 2022

During the pandemic, our awareness of our environments has sharpened, and we have questioned what our homes mean and what they should do for us. We have recognized that our spaces need to be flexible, efficient and adaptable for multitasking, and they need to function well and keep us safe. It is no longer good enough for our homes to look nice; they need to help us feel good, too. Homes have evolved from being somewhere to eat and sleep into a place of growth, productivity and reflection.

Design choices can affect our well-being, and therefore the urgent need to think about the future begins now. It makes sense then that more residential designers incorporate wellness into their scope of work. Today, we are experiencing a shift in design as it converges with sciences. Architects and designers alike are leveraging neuro aesthetics, the study of how the mind processes and responds to beauty, and they are using sensory design or evidenced-based design for progressive conditions like dementia and autism. Professionals in the built environment have the potential to think beyond a mere box to solve worldly problems – especially in the present era where the sense of being, thoughtfulness and wellness is primary.

Biophilia Plays a Key Role in Health and Wellness Design

There are numerous ways a design professional can play with space that can help heal its users. First is the incorporation of biophilia and the direct connectivity with nature that hits the neuroreceptors of the brain and helps calm a person down. Biophilia is the theory that people possess an inherent affinity to nature, which developed during the long course of human evolution. In recent years, scientific studies have identified that this affinity for nature is a vital component of our health and well-being, supporting a feeling of relaxation and thus producing higher levels of serotonin. Our experiences with nature reduce stress, improve cognitive function and enhance mood and creativity. Thus, thoughtful, innovative design incorporating biophilia can shape how we feel and what we experience within a physical space. Apart from this, focusing on factors such as natural light, ventilation and playing with the scale and perspective of space can further enhance the appearance.

Health Benefits of Universal Design

According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people – about 15% of the global population – live with some type of disability. In recent years, research has emerged that highlights the importance of promoting health through design for people with disabilities and/or progressive conditions.

Universal design is an important aspect that needs our utmost attention. Since this concept follows the principles of equality, it offers a wide range of solutions for almost everyone on the planet. Whether the clients are temporarily or permanently disabled, the designer must look through their eyes to design an empathetic yet sensory space. Universal design expands beyond basic structural access to include design strategies that support mental health and offer collaborative spaces to foster social cohesion and wellness spaces to promote physical and emotional well-being.

Wellness Design Considers Air, Light, Acoustics and Color

Diving further into the details, material specifications can help spruce up a space in terms of healing and wellness. Mainly, contribution toward air quality standards and banning smoke and materials like asbestos may improve air quality and lead to a healthy environment. Abiding by the public health standards and maintaining minimum requirements in terms of VOC limits for interior paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, insulation and even flooring, a design pro can help foster a clean and healthy environment.

Apart from VOCs, an architect must design a space keeping in mind ample ventilation, humidity control and even a cleanable environment. Mainly, avoid the use of wall-to-wall carpeting and only use materials that have hard surfaces with easier cleanability qualities.

Another way an architect can design for wellness is by considering the aspects of sound and light in a building. In compliance with local or standard requirements, it is a must that the designer further specifies ergonomic furniture that can give long-term benefits to its users.

Moreover, the use of color significantly influences well-being. Many designers are aware that there are certain colors and patterns that intrigue a human brain; for instance, reds symbolize anger and energy, while blue symbolizes calm and peace. However, the conversation with clients about their love for the long-trending colors of gray and neutrals still remains an obstacle for most designers.

Undoubtedly, design pros have a bigger role to play in impacting the health and well-being of their clients. In the end, the things that transform a space into a home are not only the personal touches but also ensuring your designs improve the wellness aspects, too.