My Manifesto: Designing spaces that prioritise human wellbeing and mental health

As designers, it is so critical for us to take accountability for our choices. Every action we make can have a positive or negative effect on everybody that engages with the space and that is why it is so important for those decisions to be carefully developed. Components of design that should always be considered when aiming to prioritise human wellbeing and mental health consist of, but are not limited to, integration of nature through plants, lighting and airflow, user centred design, colour psychology and accessibility. 

Growing up, I always found interest in buildings which stood out and evoked a certain mood. Atmospheric designs always seemed to excite me and heighten my mood and I believe this is such a key aspect that should be proposed by many more public spaces. Especially regarding spaces used by a variety of demographics, there should be more focus on ensuring that the space can evoke feelings for everybody; potentially differing between every individual. There’s nothing worse than being a child and feeling bored in a place your parents take you to, or likewise, an adult feeling fed up or overwhelmed in a child-oriented space; there should be a blend that allows for spaces to feel connected and welcoming for everybody. 

With more and more people becoming chronically online and less present in the modern age, due to developments of social media as well as the Covid 19 Pandemic, encouraging social interaction and comfortability within a design is becoming increasingly more valuable.

Public spaces in particular should foster a sense of community to bring people together in a way that feels natural and congenial. To assist in combating social and personal issues that potentially could have been caused or heightened by recent events, here are ways in which considerate design can help.

1. Increase positive human response through greenery and biophilia:

Biophilic design is such a key aspect that can alter the mood of people within a space. This concept of this design practice has been around since 1984 when it was introduced by E.O. Wilson in his book ‘Biophilia’. Although nature in architecture was prevalent throughout midcentury design decades before, This book emphasised the impacts of it. The psychological response of exposure to nature has been proven improve mood (Barton & Pretty, 2010), relieve feelings of stress (Valtchanov, 2010) and have an increase in feelings of energy and vitality (Ryan, Weinstein, Bernstein, Brown, 2010)

(Cala Saona House by Biombo Architect -@KIE)

Being enclosed in a space can often portray a sense of entrapment if the design is not carefully considered and this is why it is key for there to be a connection between indoors and outdoors to allow for users to feel more comfortable. Alongside providing a sense of relaxation and general comfort to users, biophilic design also aids in the support of CO2 emission reduction which is another huge benefit to incorporating nature in design.

2. Be empathetic and create user centred designs:

User centred design is an element that can so easily help in supporting mental health and wellbeing through design as it just requires an extra level of thinking. Psychographics need to be considered to accommodate for the desires and wants of the users of a space, rather than just what they need from it. Empathising with users will allow for a more human-like feel to a space, giving people a safe space that they did not know they needed. Functional designs can often be overlooked as they are all aiming to tick the same requirements, but I think there should be more to it than that. 

User-centred design requires a nuanced understanding of the user's needs and experiences as it encourages this sense of empathy (S. Lance, n.d). Designers should put themselves in the place of the user to really recognise what aspects and features will benefit them. Without any sympathy in regards to others mental health, designs can not only be unsuccessful in supporting the aid of mental health but actually work against it if done incorrectly. 

3. Explore the psychological effect of colour on users:

The Psychological response drawn from colours has been a matter of consideration since Goethe (1810) described colour as ‘the deeds of light, its deeds and sufferings’ (J. Goethe, 1810). Not only are colours important in connecting a design together aesthetically, they also provide an alternative function which is to provide an atmosphere through emotions. With certain colours evoking certain feelings, Goldstein (1942) supported this idea believing that particular colours produce systematic Psychological reactions that manifest in emotional experience. 

Colours that are more natural tend to accommodate for a more comfortable and relaxing space, for example blues and greens tend to promote peace, freshness and growth. When in many public spaces, in order to acquire to the taste of the majority, many spaces nowadays are painted in a very light grey or white for simplicity- but I find that this is an awful colour to be surrounded by. Harsh lighting is more prone to bounce around the room and feel overwhelming in a white space and it also does not allow for any sense of creativity which is so key for self expression. Colours need to be suitable for a space visually but also in regards to the emotions and atmosphere they convey.

4. Prioritise natural lighting and airflow:

Linking with the first point on the importance of integrating nature, a similar outcome can be achieved by emphasising other natural elements such as sunlight and airflow into a space. These aspects commonly fail to be observed within a space because they are aspects that are much easier felt than seen. The impact they have on users is immense and because it is a natural element, it will never take away from the design. Decades worth of research finds that natural light's effect on people's health is not just mental but physical and also helps with general wellbeing (E. Ko, E. Glazier, 2022). Being in a light and airy environment promotes productivity and mental stimulation so is good in any working or social environment. It is beneficial in almost all settings as the physical health benefits allow for vitamin and cleaner air intake.

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(Etham South Project, Wolveridge Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell)

5. explore creative ways to incorporate accessibility:

When incorporating adaptability within designs, although now a government requirement, it is crucial that these aspects of a design do not feel forced or out of place- as that feeling ultimately reflects on the users. Again this comes back to creating designs using empathy as it allows designers to consider every potential users feelings. I think designers should provide ergonomic design within spaces as a well thought out design can allow for people to feel more comfortable, and with that comes reduced stress and anxiety for users.

By including functional aspects for accessibility that are in keeping with the surrounding environment, it allows for people to feel a part of the space rather than feeling a sense of incongruence. Every space should feel inviting for everyone and that means it should make people feel as though they can be themselves.

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References:

E.O. Wilson, 1984, ‘Biophilia’

J. Barton, J. Pretty, 2010, ‘What Is The Best Dose Of Nature And Green Exercise For Improving Mental Health? A Multi-Study Analysis’, Environmental Science and Technology, 44, p. 3947

D. Valtchanov, K.R. Barton, C. Ellard, 2010, ‘Restorative Effects Of Virtual Nature Settings’, Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking, pp. 503-512

R.M. Ryan, N. Weinstein, J. Bernstein, K.W. Brown, 2010 ‘Vitalising Effects Of Being Outdoors ANd In Nature’, Journal of Environmental Psychology, pp. 159-168

S. Lance, (n.d.), ‘Designing With Empathy: The Importance Of User Centred Design In Mental Health’ Memorisely, https://www.memorisely.com/blog/designing-with-empathy-the-importance-of-user-centered-design-in-mental-health 

E. Ko, E. Glazier, 2022, ‘Being In Natural Light Improves Mood, Increases Happiness’, UCLA Health,https://www.uclahealth.org/news/being-in-natural-light-improves-mood-increases-happiness 

J. Goethe, 1810, ‘Theory Of Colours’, London, Frank Cass

K. Goldstein, 1942, ‘Some Experimental Observations Concerning The Influence Of Colours On The Function Of The Organism’