How Innovative Architecture is Revolutionizing Wellness: Top Trends You Need to Know
Wellness Architecture – the practice of architecture that relies on the art and science of designing built environments with socially conscious systems and materials to promote the harmonious balance between physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual wellbeing while regenerating the natural environment.
Buildings just like people need to breathe. Proper ventilation keeps the air fresh and healthy indoors. Like the lungs, homes need to be able to breathe to make sure that fresh air comes in and dirty air goes out. Air indoors can build up high levels of moisture, odors, gases, dust, and other air pollutants.
Many years ago I recall reading the front of Blueprint magazine that the construction industry was a leading contibutor to pollution. This stopped me in my tracks.
With increasing urban landscape and rapidly developing highrises, the construction industry and a number of architects have witnessed a boom in all major cities across the world. This had led to a subsequent increase in the pollution levels, mainly led by air pollution.
At this point I wanted to learn how I could help. At the time I was working on corporate interiors in New York City and yes, they were in highrises. The first thing I did was to take the ‘knowledge is power’ approach and I became a LEED AP certified professional.
Understanding all the factors that contribute to the toxicity of the construction industry also meant that I would be able to help with solutions and a better understanding of how to help combat this.
Toda,y wellness is at the forefront of everything from the way we live, down to how we work and how we play. It is no surprise that our built environments are focusing more on how they can assist in our physical and mental wellness - from pure aesthetics to materiality. All matters of architecture and design play a large role in how we can more sustainably go about our everyday lives and feel more elevated and rejuvenated.
With health and wellbeing top of mind for the world, wellness-oriented spaces in both commercial and residential settings are prioritizing much more than just relaxation.
“Spas and wellness areas need to show that they are embracing every opportunity to integrate healthy and sustainable materials into the structure and design of their spaces,” says Shalini Misra. “It’s partly about telling the story of how sustainable materials have been used, how natural resources—such as the flow of natural light and air—have been harnessed, the incorporation of solar-generated energy sources, and the use of upcycled and repurposed items.” - quoted in ‘4 Wellness Design Trends the Experts Say Are Here to Stay’ by AD PRO
For many of their spaces, Misra and her team use computer calculations to map the sun’s movement and determine exactly how much cooling and heating is required. Eco-friendly materials like cork, bamboo, and rattan are also all in favor. “Cork is perhaps one of the very best examples of a material that has it all—warmth, texture, malleability—and its extraction does not involve the felling of a single tree,” she explains. “If managed correctly, it grows back in nine-year cycles and is, therefore, one of the most sustainable materials in the world. We have always associated it with flooring and wall tiles, but it’s also now being used in cutting-edge furniture and fittings and 3D geometric patterning.”
“This includes everything from the paint on the walls or glue used for millwork to ensure there is no off-gassing,” she says, adding that wood veneers, Caesarstone quartz, and zero-VOC paints like Clare all help achieve this.
Veronica Schreibeis-Smith, who is also chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s wellness architecture initiative, emphasizes the importance of rich textures and colors and patterns that express the natural world. But, she says, “Variety in design is what makes our experiences of different places so rich, so this can, and should, be widely and wildly interpreted.” She also points to the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, in which “the acceptance of the imperfect is being embraced, both in one’s self, and in the
Light As Therapy
It’s no surprise that lighting fixtures that help kill bacteria and purify surfaces are on the rise in wellness spaces. But advances in lighting technology have also made it a must-have therapeutic tool. “People are understandably interested in therapies that can help them recover from stress,” says Misra. “Light therapy usually uses LED light, and from a technology standpoint, has been incorporated into showerheads, taps, and cabinetry. It purports to help boost and improve immune systems and have many other health properties for the skin.
“We prefer to use color temperatures in our lighting schemes that emulate and are empathic with the circadian rhythms in order to create soothing and uplifting experiences.”
Thoughtful Technology
“Designing a wellness space goes far beyond what the eye can see,” says Lynch-Sparks. “Sensory-focused details are becoming major factors in creating the perfect environment. Air-purification, sound-canceling, and white-noise technology are important throughout a space to minimize sound reverberation and create a calming effect.”
Air-Purification Systems
One of the most crucial elements in a wellness space is air quality. Advanced air-purification systems are being incorporated into architectural designs to ensure that the air we breathe is free from pollutants and allergens. These systems use HEPA filters, activated carbon, and even UV light to remove contaminants, providing cleaner, healthier air. Improved air quality can enhance cognitive function, reduce respiratory issues, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
Sound-Canceling Technology
Noise pollution is a significant stressor in urban environments. Incorporating sound-canceling technology into wellness spaces can mitigate this issue. Acoustic panels, soundproof windows, and other sound-absorbing materials are used to minimize external noise and reduce sound reverberation within the space. This creates a quieter, more serene environment, essential for relaxation and mental clarity.
White-Noise Machines
To further enhance the auditory experience, white-noise machines are being strategically placed in wellness spaces. These devices emit a consistent sound that helps to mask background noises, creating a more tranquil atmosphere. White noise can improve sleep quality, increase concentration, and promote a sense of calm, making it a valuable addition to both residential and commercial wellness environments.
Integrated Technology Systems
Beyond individual devices, integrated technology systems are becoming a staple in wellness architecture. These systems allow for the seamless control of lighting, temperature, sound, and air quality from a single interface. Smart home technology can be programmed to create customized environments tailored to individual preferences, ensuring that each element works in harmony to support wellness.
HELPFUL PRODUCTS TO INTEGRATE WELLNESS INTO YOUR SPACE
By incorporating these sensory-focused technologies, architects and designers are able to create spaces that not only meet aesthetic standards but also support physical and mental health. The thoughtful integration of air-purification, sound-canceling, and white-noise technology is transforming the way we think about wellness spaces, proving that true well-being is influenced by much more than what meets the eye.
LINKS TO USEFUL RESOURCES
WELLNESS DESIGN
Creative Director Susan Knof