The success of architectural and interior design solutions of today and tomorrow largely depends upon the resulting health and wellness of its users. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's the benefit of well-being, along with the importance of community and family.
Dr. Claudia Miller from the University of Texas School of Medicine stated, "Architects and designers have a greater ability to improve public health than medical professionals." Designing for well-being offers an approach to good health that helps offset the need for medical intervention by lowering stress, preventing accidents, and improving the overall quality of life.
The urgent need to think about the future begins today. Whether it is about the neuroaesthetics aspect of a space, sensory design, or designing for progressive conditions like dementia, designers have the potential to think beyond a mere box to assist in solving worldly problems. By modelling empathy and understanding needs, requirements, environment, and community simultaneously, the designer's role extends much beyond the typical.
There are numerous ways a designer can articulate space that can help improve the health and well-being of its users. Of paramount importance is carefully selecting fixtures, finishes and equipment that mitigate accidents. The well-being of the occupant must always come first! While polished marble floors are aesthetically incomparable, they are the cause of many twisted ankles and crushed kneecaps. Another important concept is biophilia. This direct connection with nature soothes the soul. There is a certain sense of calmness from the natural elements that stimulates the neuroreceptors of the brain and in turn, affects 'calmness'. The idea of connecting to nature by spending time in the forest — Shinrin Yoku or forest bathing — has been prescribed by Japanese doctors since the late '80s. Doctors in Canada have been authorized by their governing body to prescribe trips to museums, art galleries and design centres to reduce stress instead of prescribing pills. Thus, thoughtful, innovative design through the use of natural elements or the use of biomimicry (the design and production of materials, structures, and systems that are modelled on biological entities and processes) can shape how we feel and what we experience within a physical space. Moreover, focusing on factors such as natural light and elements of scale and perspective of space are tools designers can use to enhance mood.
Universal design is another important aspect that requires attention. Since this concept follows the principles of equality, it strives to offer a solution for everyone. In the past, design guidelines were set to target the 'average' person. This was largely determined by biometrics from military research. This meant that many things were designed for males, of a certain height, with a more expansive range of motion than others. Over the last decade or so, the universal design movement has advocated that designers produce solutions that enable a wider range of people to use products and environments though all life stages and physical abilities.
Designers must use empathy in design. Moreover, we must respect cultural differences. For example, red has been known to symbolize anger and energy in some cultures, but in other cultures, it symbolizes luck. While there is no definitive scientific evidence that colour heals the human body, we do know that certain light waves affect healing, and colour certainly affects behaviour. The colour of a space is just one factor that contributes to a person's mental health, but it is an important one, says Dr. John Ziesel, author and president of Hearthstone Alzheimer Care. "The designed environment plays a role in learning, remembering, feelings, relating to others and behaviour," he says. Using colour thoughtfully is one of the easiest ways to improve quality of life.
Material specifications further elevate a space in terms of healing and wellness. Contribution toward air quality standards, banning toxic materials such as asbestos, and reducing exposure to formaldehyde (especially in furniture) lead to a healthier environment. Abiding by the Public Health standards (whether from Canada or the U.S.) and maintaining minimum requirements for VOC limits regarding interior paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, insulation and flooring enable a designer to foster a clean and healthy environment. Furthermore, designing for 'ease of maintenance' is important for any environment, but especially as we age. Carpet can be difficult to clean, impossible for mobility devices and have an impact on air quality through increased amounts of dust.
Wellness is also influenced by sound and light. Minimizing echoes and reverberation through a space, increasing natural light and finding ways to mitigate both are tasks for designers. In the commercial building sector, there are regulations for sound and light, but none exist for the residential sector. Therefore, it is necessary that the designer utilize best practices of the commercial sector and perform additional research to create inventive solutions.
Designers should consider ergonomics not only in furnishings but in other design elements such as counter heights, adjustable desks, electrical outlets, light switches, and other fixtures that operate within the home. This can give long-term benefits to its users. Undoubtedly, a designer has a bigger role to play in affecting the health of their clients, not only in prevention, but also in proactively influencing well-being.
Text by Linda Kafka, WELL AP, CLIPP, CAPS