We often think of architecture in terms of structure, function, and aesthetics, but can overlook its connection to how it supports our wellbeing and how spaces can make us feel. The built environment we live, work, and move through every day has a powerful impact on our mental health and overall wellbeing.
‘The manner in which we design and build our communities – where we spend virtually our entire lives – has profound impacts on our physical, mental, social, environmental and economic well – being’
(Dannenberg et al., 2011)
Architecture doesn’t just shelter us. It can calm us, connect us, and even help us heal. For our built spaces to support wellbeing, architects need to consider design aspects linked to supporting mental health.
Natural Light
‘There’s no substitute for daylight. It’s central to our well-being.’ (Day, 2016).
‘The distinct theme that emerged as a significant design feature affecting mental health outcomes was that of light and lighting. A major subtheme is that of natural light, which is linked to the following issues in literature: eating disorders, depression, circadian rhythm, Alzheimer’s disease, sensory stimulation, therapeutic design, and therapeutic patient rooms.’ (Connellan et al., 2013)
Connection to Nature (Biophilic Design)
‘At the beginning of the 21st century, the notion of biophilia was developed and adapted within the architectural domain, drawing attention to the emotional aspect of humans’ needs for interactions with the natural environment in the building environment.’ (Zhong et al., 2021)
‘Biophilia – including the healing and calming effects of the colour green, beyond aesthetics – and the creation of outdoor areas play a fundamental role in improving the quality of the space, which consequently improves people’s mood and health.’ (Duduch, 2021)
Biophilic design can include indoor plants, natural materials, views of greenery, and water features. The design elements are proven to reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional balance.
Good Ventilation & Air Quality
Clean, fresh air supports physical health and cognitive function, while poor ventilation causes fatigue, headaches, lower productivity and exposure to illness.
‘Many health issues are related to pollution of indoor air:
- Infectious diseases caused by airborne viruses or bacteria;
- Growth of microorganisms in humid air, for example in humidifiers or within
the building envelope construction; - Allergies and asthma caused by exposure to mold that thrives at high humidity indoors;
- Lung cancer caused by exposure to tobacco smoke and radon decay products;
- Cancer and skin irritation as well as allergies caused by VOCs and formaldehydes in the air;
- Dizziness and nausea caused by odors, which can lead to dissatisfaction with
the indoor environment; - Sick building syndrome (SBS). (Passe & Battaglia, 2015)
Acoustic Comfort
‘Emerging trends in sustainable architecture have prompted renewed interest in the environmental implications of acoustic design. Studies have explored innovative approaches to noise reduction, passive sound control, and the integration of natural elements to create harmonious and eco-friendly built environments.’ (Ajiboye, 2024)
Samson A. Ajiboye fromThe Department of Architectural Technology, School of Environmental Science, Nigeria hopes his research into acoustic comfort ‘Inspire architects and designers to prioritize acoustic comfort and create environments that enrich human experiences.’ (Ajiboye, 2024)
‘Unwanted sounds can have serious health effects such as: hearing loss, cardiovascular disease high blood pressure, headaches, hormonal changes, psychosomatic illnesses, sleep disorders, reduction in physical and mental performance, stress reactions, aggression, constant feelings of displeasure and reduction in general well-being.’ (Leardi, 2021)
Colour, Texture & Material Choice
Although everyone has a different preference and reaction to colour, texture and material choices, soft textures and calming colour palettes are known to promote relaxation and emotional balance. Natural materials, like wood and stone, are known to be comforting and grounding.
Colour affects the autonomic nervous system, muscle tension, cortical activity, blood pressure, breathing rate and enzymatic and hormonal secretions. Different colours stimulate different glands: yellow, for instance, affects the thyroid; blue, the pituitary; red and violet, male and female sexual glands respectively. Such physiological effects are often bound up with associative qualities. (Day, 2016)
As mental health becomes more part of our public conversation, it’s time to recognise that architecture is not just about what we build, but about how our built environments make us feel. When designed with consideration to mental health and wellbeing, architecture can become a daily act of self-care.
References
Ajiboye, S. A. (2024, September 3). View of Harmonizing Spaces: Investigating the Intersection of Sound and Architectural Design. Pioneerpublisher.com. https://www.pioneerpublisher.com/SAA/article/view/950/863
Connellan, K., Gaardboe, M., Riggs, D., Due, C., Reinschmidt, A., & Mustillo, L. (2013). Stressed Spaces: Mental Health and Architecture. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 6(4), 127–168. https://doi.org/10.1177/193758671300600408
Dannenberg, A. L., Frumkin, H., & Jackson, R. (2011). Making healthy places : designing and building for health, well-being, and sustainability. Island Press.
Day, C. (2016). Places Of The Soul. Taylor & Francis.
Duduch, T. (2021, August 28). Architecture and Health: How Spaces Can Impact Our Emotional Well-Being. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/967003/architecture-and-health-how-spaces-can-impact-our-emotional-well-being
Leardi, L. (2021, May 3). Basic Principles of Acoustics: Why Architects Shouldn’t Leave It All To Consultants. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/909793/basic-principles-of-acoustics-why-architects-shouldnt-leave-it-all-to-consultants
Passe, U., & Battaglia, F. (2015). Designing Spaces for Natural Ventilation. Routledge.
Zhong, W., Schröder, T., & Bekkering, J. (2021). Biophilic design in architecture and its contributions to health, well-being, and sustainability: A critical review. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 11(1), 114–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2021.07.006
Figures
Figure 1: The Luoto Kuopio Restaurant in Finland. An example of how a connection to nature, natural light, ventilation and acoustic comfort can make an inviting and healthy place to be.
https://www.architectureplusdesign.in/architecture/sauna-restaurant-luoto-studio-puisto-combines-traditional-finnish-culture-saunas/
Figure 2: Natural light incorporated into architectural design
https://theprakritistory.com/methods-for-natural-lighting-in-our-buildings/
Figure 3: An example of Biophilic design – Including plants in indoor spaces.
https://www.archdaily.com/967003/architecture-and-health-how-spaces-can-impact-our-emotional-well-being/610ac047c954fd01655c770a-architecture-and-health-how-spaces-can-impact-our-emotional-well-being-image
Figure 4: An example of architectural ventilation diagrams
Figure 5: How to design for acoustic comfort
https://www.archdaily.com/909793/basic-principles-of-acoustics-why-architects-shouldnt-leave-it-all-to-consultants
