Brief-
The pandemic served as a turning point in the architecture industry’s understanding of health andwellbeing. Ideas and experimentation in the following two years have allowed architects to betterimplement the science of well-being through design strategies. Becoming increasingly aware of the impactbuilt environments have on us, there is a growing interest inunderstanding the universal effects of buildingdesign on bodily health. Evidence that spaces alter emotions and the state of mind.
Blog-
Design ideas in the following years have allowed architects and designers to carry into effect the science ofwell-being and mental health through numerous design strategies. The World Health Organization defineshealth as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being”. Wellness architecture can createstructures which embody a nuanced definition of well-being that encapsulates its many facets. Despitebeing a relatively new term,wellness designdraws inspiration from age-old traditional wisdom
Here are five ways to imbibe wellness in your dwellings:
- Tactile (materials)
Materiality is one of the bases of any building or space; the ability to touch and feel objects in a space or beneath our feet is a profound feeling. It is the most influential attribute of space. Opting for natural materials or textures can induce a sense of warmth and calmness that often comes with natural finishes.
- Living world
Elements of nature render serenity and peace; the inclusion of biophilia works wonders in alleviating stress, refining air quality and uplifting spirits. In the modern world, people’s desire to be close to nature is testimony to the positive outcomes of blurring boundaries between nature and the built environment.
- Illuminate
Natural light flooding a room instantly energises the inhabitants’ state of mind. Find ways of introducing sunlight into spaces through large openings and reconfiguring the placement of furniture. Light is the key stimulus for maintaining the circadian cycle, which explains why all living beings are physiologically connected to it.
- Function
It’s often said that our spaces reflect our state of mind, and organised interiors also declutter the mind. A sense of balance and openness in a room allows a seamless flow of movement. Most of our spaces aren’t just tight walls and low ceilings but the arrangement of the furniture. Taking off heavy furniture from the floor and opting for floating vertical shelves opens up space on the floor for free movement. Focus on visual balance over symmetry for a warm, inviting, and lived-in vibe.
- Colour
Colour therapy is an old-age medicine to cure the mind. Combinations and contrasts of colour tones can have a range of effects on emotion. Tracing back to our roots, earthy hues have revolutionised the use of colours in interior design. One such shade is terracotta, an earthy tone that brings a rustic appeal to contemporary and modern designs.
Wellness design has encouraged people to seek healthier lifestyles and understand how physical well-being originates from a balance of body and mind. Therapeutic design concepts can be applied to our spaces like homes and offices where we spend most of our time. Optimising natural light and air with the inclusion of plants and earthy colours can favour designs beyond just the physical ideas of form and function.