How do you design spaces for health and wellbeing?

1 Understand the needs and preferences of users

The first step in designing spaces for health and wellbeing is to understand the needs and preferences of your target users. You need to conduct research, surveys, interviews, or observations to learn about their behaviors, motivations, challenges, and aspirations. You also need to consider their diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity. By empathizing with your users, you can design spaces that are relevant, meaningful, and supportive of their wellbeing.

2 Apply biophilic design principles

Biophilic design is the concept of incorporating elements of nature into the built environment. It is based on the idea that humans have an innate connection and affinity with nature, and that exposure to natural features can improve their physical and mental health. Some of the biophilic design principles include using natural materials, colors, textures, and patterns, providing natural light, ventilation, and views, creating green spaces and water features, and mimicking natural shapes and forms. By applying biophilic design principles, you can create spaces that are calming, stimulating, and restorative.

3 Promote social interaction and collaboration

Another aspect of designing spaces for health and wellbeing is to promote social interaction and collaboration among users. Social relationships are essential for human wellbeing, as they provide a sense of belonging, support, and purpose. You can design spaces that facilitate social interaction and collaboration by providing comfortable and flexible seating, furniture, and equipment, creating zones for different activities and moods, encouraging movement and circulation, and adding interactive and playful elements. By promoting social interaction and collaboration, you can create spaces that are engaging, inspiring, and fun.

4 Incorporate sensory and emotional design

Sensory and emotional design is the concept of creating spaces that appeal to the senses and emotions of users. It is based on the idea that humans respond to sensory stimuli and emotional cues in their environments, and that these can affect their mood, behavior, and wellbeing. Some of the sensory and emotional design strategies include using colors, sounds, smells, and textures that evoke positive emotions and associations, creating contrast and variety to stimulate curiosity and interest, providing feedback and reward to motivate and satisfy users, and creating a sense of identity and story for the space. By incorporating sensory and emotional design, you can create spaces that are memorable, delightful, and meaningful.

5 Consider the environmental impact and sustainability

The final aspect of designing spaces for health and wellbeing is to consider the environmental impact and sustainability of your design choices. You need to be aware of the ecological footprint of your materials, energy, water, and waste, and how they affect the natural environment and the health of your users. You also need to think about the longevity, adaptability, and resilience of your spaces, and how they can cope with changing needs and conditions. By considering the environmental impact and sustainability, you can create spaces that are responsible, efficient, and beneficial for both people and the planet.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?