The Rise of Wellness Design
Alto da Bonita
The rise of wellness design is a trend that is increasingly gaining prominence in contemporary architecture. The term may be relatively new, but the principle behind it is based on historical design techniques that have always had in mind the impact of the built environment on people's health and well-being.
Wellness design is a multidimensional approach that not only considers physical, but also emotional and psychological aspects of the human being. The focus is on developing spaces that promote the health, comfort, and well-being of the people who use them.
This type of design is capable of conceiving buildings that embrace this multidimensional definition, creating environments that improve the quality of life and well-being of their users.
Biophilic Design
Herdade da Cortesia Hotel
One of the main areas where wellness design has a major impact is in the field of biophilic architecture.
Biophilic architecture involves incorporating natural elements into indoor and outdoor spaces, creating environments that resemble the natural world.
The benefits of biophilic design are widely known and documented, including reduced stress, increased productivity, and improvements in mental and physical health.
For example, an office space that has green walls and live plants provides a calmer environment, reducing workers' anxiety levels and improving air quality.
Another example is the creation of indoor gardens in hospitals, which can help patients recover.
To apply biophilic design in an architectural project, it is important to think about how you are going to incorporate natural elements in different areas, such as walls, floors, ceiling, and lighting.
Salutogenic Design
HUG Field Residences
Salutogenic design is an approach that aims to create spaces that promote health and well-being. It can include incorporating green spaces, using non-toxic materials, and choosing relaxing colors.
The goal is to create environments that help people become more resilient and able to cope with stress.
One example of the application of salutogenic design is the creation of green spaces in urban centers. Green areas help improve air quality and reduce stress, promoting people's physical and mental health.
Another example is the use of relaxing colors in hospitals and clinics, which can help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Lighting Design
Cercal House
Lighting design is a type of wellness design that seeks to create environments that use natural and artificial light efficiently.
This can include the use of LED bulbs, which are more efficient than traditional bulbs, and the use of lighting control systems. The goal is to create environments that are healthier and more comfortable for people.
One example of the application of lighting design is the use of natural light in interior spaces. Natural light is healthier than artificial light and can help people feel more energetic.
Another example is the use of adjustable lights in work environments, allowing employees to adjust the lighting according to their individual needs.
Material Design
Campo de Ourique Building
Indoor environments and material surfaces are prone to fungi, mold, or molecular-type pollutants such as allergens that can originate from rodents and pets.
Other hidden hazards include CO2 and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) that originate from building materials, household furniture, or cleaning supplies. All these pollutants can be harmful to physical and mental health, even more so if they accumulate.
The most effective ways to mitigate the spread of indoor pollutants is by choosing modern, non-toxic and sustainable building materials that are purpose-built for safe construction and use in the home - which promotes physical, mental and environmental health.
To be able to fully enhance human health and well-being within the home, buildings need to be designed with a different approach. By optimizing parameters such as light, materials, ventilation, green space, and coherence, architecture can support mental and physical health in a holistic way.
The future will bring even more advances in health and wellness design, and thus put architects at the forefront of collective wellness.