Did you know that 7th April was World Health Day? The WHO has been celebrating it annually since 1950. As a result, it’s become a key time for considering the various factors that influence health and wellbeing. This includes a number of crucial topics, including the built environment. We want to have a look at some of them here. Then, if you want some help designing commercial architecture with lovely everyday spaces, you can rely on us.

Key details

There are a number of details that will always be important for architecture if you want to maximise health and wellbeing. Natural daylight, thermal comfort, green space, and air quality are all vital. Therefore, you should be designing to ensure you account for all of these elements in everyday spaces.

In addition, it’s more important than ever to ensure environments are inter-connected and versatile. Crucially, people should be able to easily connect to ecological systems. It can enhance physical and psychological health.

Mixed use offices

Shared workspaces are more common than ever before, growing in popularity massively in the last two decades. They provide a fantastic level of flexibility. This means every work day can be different and means the buildings will have a longer lifespan. However, there are challenges here too. You need to think carefully about the commercial architecture or the vibrant workspace could have a negative impact on occupants.

There are a number of things you should think about to ensure mixed use offices are successful. For example, look at versatile furniture like standing desks and the impact furnishings have on interactions. Plus, consider how you can empower people and build a community. Try to limit isolation, except for those specific times when private solo work is absolutely necessary. Make everyday spaces fun too.

Materials

As we said, key details to think about include daylight, thermal comfort, and air quality. The choice of materials affects all of them. Therefore, you need to think carefully about what you choose. Consider the ins and outs of different construction materials and finishes, including things like the level of sensory comfort they provide and any potential toxins.

Always remember there are materials and finishes that can have a positive or negative impact on health and wellbeing. Naturally you need to avoid the latter, especially those that affect air quality.

Speak to us about commercial architecture

Everyday spaces in offices and other workplaces can have a huge impact on health and wellbeing. If you want the impacts to be positive, make sure you are careful with your designs. Focus on ensuring the conditions benefit occupants.

If World Health Day has inspired you to create new commercial architecture or upgrade your current property, you can rely on Coffey Architects. We create incredible designs, ensuring all of the elements are in place. So, get in touch today.