How architecture can support the wellbeing of building users

ENHANCING INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is created from sources such as unvented stoves, fireplaces and heaters, off-gassing building materials containing formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), household products like cleaning supplies, pesticides, and personal care products, moisture and mold (which releases spores and mycotoxins into the air), tobacco smoke, and outdoor pollutants like vehicle emissions, pollen, and industrial pollutants. Combine this toxic cocktail with inadequate ventilation, and you have occupants experiencing a range of health issues.¹

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that women and children (in low and middle income nations) mostly bear the heaviest health consequences from poor indoor air quality.² Nearly half of all deaths from lower respiratory infections among children under five, stem from inhaling particulate matter found in household air pollution. Furthermore, there is evidence linking household air pollution to conditions like low birth weight, tuberculosis, cataracts, as well as nasopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers.

Ventilation isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for safeguarding the health of occupants. Some of the most significant ways architects can positively impact air quality and health is by selecting low-VOC materials; installing advanced HVAC systems with true HEPA filtration, and incorporating natural ventilation.

MAXIMISING NATURAL LIGHT

Exposure to natural light is essential for regulating circadian rhythms, which affect sleep patterns, mood, and overall wellbeing.³ In a study by Cornell University, researchers found employees exposed to natural light reported an 84% decrease in headaches and eyestrain, leading to potential productivity increases of up to 40%.⁴

Moreover, natural light doesn’t just address physical health concerns; it also positively impacts mental health. A 2002-2023 study by the WHO found exposure to natural light led to a 50% reduction in depressive symptoms.⁵ Put plainly, access to natural light creates a better indoor experience.

WATER QUALITY

Access to clean and safe drinking water is fundamental to human health.⁶ Architects can ensure water quality by specifying advanced water filtration systems and using plumbing materials that do not leach harmful substances. Typical tap water contains contaminants such as chlorine, fluoride, bacteria, viruses, asbestos, VOCs, copper, heavy metals such as lead, pesticides, PVC and PFAS (Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have been found in most of the global water supplies and exceed PFAS safe drinking limits, and concerningly, in Australia, “many of our source waters are above PFAS regulatory limits”.⁷

THERMAL, ACOUSTIC AND OLFACTORY

Creating a comfortable indoor environment requires reducing the most common sources of physiological disruption, distraction, and irritation while enhancing acoustic, olfactory, and thermal comfort. By addressing these three ‘invisible’ aspects, architects can prevent stress, lower blood pressure, improve sleep, facilitate comfort, and increase productivity and overall wellbeing.

• THERMAL: Effective insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and access to natural ventilation help create a thermal environment that enhances the comfort and productivity of occupants.⁸
• ACOUSTIC: Designing spaces with effective sound insulation and minimising noise sources are crucial steps in fostering a peaceful and focused atmosphere.⁹
• OLFACTORY: Strong odours have the potential to disrupt physical and psychological comfort, causing symptoms like eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as nausea and headaches. Actively minimising odours by eliminating toxic materials and synthetic fragrances and implementing proper ventilation are key.

In addition to the above mentioned design techniques that protect occupants, there is an increasing role for architects to adopt holistic and biophilic design approaches that seek to have a more proactive role in enhancing health and wellbeing through increased movement, recreation, relaxation, and interaction with natural elements that have been shown to reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function.¹⁰

Architecture holds the potential to support and enhance our interactions, health, wellbeing and relationships with the environment through the thoughtful selection and arrangement of materials, technologies, form, and lighting. By approaching the design of our indoor spaces holistically, architecture can significantly boost our wellbeing, making our lives more enjoyable and healthier.