Role of Evidence Based Design, salutogenesis & the anthropocene in healthy building

In this article we explore the concepts of evidence based design, salutogenesis and the anthropocene as they relate to the healthy building movement for new and existing buildings.

Setting the scene: the anthropocene era and the healthy building movement

The concept of the Anthropocene and the healthy green buildings movement are interconnected in several ways, as both address the profound impact of human activity on the environment and human well-being:

Environmental Context: The Anthropocene signifies a new geological epoch characterized by the significant influence of human activities on Earth's systems. This includes changes in the climate, biodiversity loss, and alterations in ecosystems.
The healthy buildings movement recognizes that the built environment plays a substantial role in contributing to or mitigating these environmental changes.
Sustainable building practices, reduced resource consumption, and energy-efficient design are key aspects of both movements.
Climate Change Mitigation: The Anthropocene is marked by rapid climate change driven by human activities, particularly the release of greenhouse gases.
Healthy buildings are designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Strategies such as green building materials, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and renewable energy integration align with efforts to address climate change in the Anthropocene.
Human Health and Well-Being: The Anthropocene has brought about environmental challenges that directly affect human health, including air pollution, extreme weather events, and the spread of infectious diseases.
Healthy buildings prioritize creating indoor environments that protect occupants from these external threats.
Improved indoor air quality, ventilation systems, and access to natural light and views are all design elements that can enhance physical and mental health in an era marked by environmental challenges.
Resource Efficiency: The Anthropocene has witnessed the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.
The healthy buildings movement emphasizes resource efficiency and sustainable material choices, reducing the environmental footprint of construction and operation. This approach aligns with the imperative to minimize resource depletion in the Anthropocene.
Adaptation to Environmental Change: As the Anthropocene brings about more frequent and severe environmental disruptions, healthy buildings also consider resilience and adaptability.
They incorporate features like flood-resistant design, temperature control systems, and sustainable landscaping to help occupants cope with and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

In essence, the concept of the Anthropocene underscores the urgent need for sustainable, environmentally conscious practices, and the healthy buildings movement responds by promoting sustainable design and construction strategies that mitigate environmental impacts and safeguard human well-being in a rapidly changing world.

Both movements recognize the critical role of the built environment in addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene.

What is evidence based design?

Evidence-based design (EBD) is a fundamental concept in the realm of architecture and interior design, particularly in the context of creating healthy buildings.

This approach is rooted in the idea that design decisions should be informed by rigorous research and empirical evidence to optimize the well-being of occupants and achieve desired outcomes.

For real estate professionals and interior designers, understanding the role of EBD in healthy buildings is crucial for creating spaces that enhance both physical and psychological health and wellbeing.

In healthy building plans, EBD plays a pivotal role by guiding the decision-making process. It relies on a systematic analysis of existing research, user feedback, and data-driven insights to inform design choices.

As wellness experts, we are frequently asked by clients to make a judgement call on a variety of options placed before us, be they materials, furniture, plants or wall decor. So we are regularly calling upon our knowledge of human health in the built environment, as well as medical research, product certifications and more.

For instance, studies have shown that access to natural light and views of nature can improve productivity, mood, and overall health. EBD takes such findings into consideration when planning window placement and incorporating biophilic elements in a design or office building.

Furthermore, EBD is instrumental in addressing issues such as indoor air quality, acoustics, and ergonomic design, all of which impact the health and comfort of building occupants.

For instance, selecting low-VOC materials, using acoustic performance, implementing sound-absorbing surfaces, and creating ergonomic workstations are evidence-based strategies to foster a healthier indoor environment.

For examples of our own research-based approach, see here.

How does the concept of salutogenesis influence the healthy buildings industry?

The concept of salutogenesis has a profound influence on the healthy buildings industry by shifting the focus from merely mitigating health risks to actively promoting well-being and resilience among building occupants.

Salutogenesis, developed by medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky, emphasizes the factors that contribute to health and the capacity for individuals to thrive, rather than solely addressing disease or illness.

Here's how this concept influences the healthy buildings and public health industry:

Holistic Well-Being: Salutogenesis encourages a holistic approach to design and construction. Instead of narrowly concentrating on physical health concerns, it considers the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of well-being.
Healthy buildings therefore aim to create environments that support mental health, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life.
User-Centered Design: Salutogenesis places a strong emphasis on involving building occupants in the design process.
This user-centered approach ensures that spaces are tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of those who will use them. It encourages active participation and engagement, which can positively impact mental and emotional health.
Biophilic Design: Salutogenic principles often align with biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements and connections with nature into built environments.
This design approach has been shown to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall well-being by fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
Empowerment and Control: Salutogenesis promotes a sense of empowerment and control over one's environment.
Healthy buildings provide occupants with opportunities to make choices that influence their surroundings, such as adjustable lighting, temperature controls, and flexible workspaces, which can contribute to a sense of autonomy and well-being.
Long-Term Health Promotion: Rather than addressing health issues reactively, salutogenesis encourages a proactive approach to health promotion.
Healthy buildings aim to create environments that support long-term well-being, helping occupants develop healthier habits and lifestyles. It is prevention rather than cure, for the latter you'll want a health clinic or hospital designed along EBD principles!

What role is there for 'evidence based design' in the WELL certification standard for new and existing buildings?

Evidence-based design (EBD) plays a significant and foundational role in the WELL Building Standard, a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being.

EBD aligns seamlessly with the principles and requirements of the WELL Standard in the following ways:

Informed Design Decisions: EBD emphasizes the importance of using empirical evidence and research to inform design decisions.
The WELL Standard incorporates a wide range of evidence-based strategies and criteria related to air quality, lighting, acoustics, materials, and more. This ensures that design choices are not arbitrary but are backed by scientific research and best practices.
Health and Well-Being Focus: EBD prioritizes the well-being of building occupants, and the WELL Standard is explicitly focused on creating healthy and supportive environments for people.
By utilizing evidence-based strategies, designers and project teams can confidently implement features that are known to have a positive impact on occupant health, such as proper ventilation, access to natural light, and ergonomic design.
Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation: The WELL Standard encourages ongoing monitoring and evaluation of building performance, which aligns with the EBD principle of continuous improvement.
By measuring and assessing the health and well-being outcomes of building occupants, project teams can refine their design and operational strategies based on real-world data.
User-Centered Approach: Both EBD and the WELL Standard prioritize a user-centered approach to design.
EBD involves engaging with building occupants to understand their needs and preferences, while the WELL Standard places a strong emphasis on occupant engagement and education. This ensures that buildings are designed and operated in a way that supports the physical and mental health of their users.
Adaptation to New Research: EBD acknowledges that scientific knowledge evolves over time, and so does the WELL Standard.
The WELL Building Standard is periodically updated to reflect the latest research and industry best practices. This dynamic approach ensures that buildings certified under the standard continue to meet the highest standards of occupant health and well-being.

In summary, evidence-based design is integral to the WELL Healthy Building Standard. It guides the selection and implementation of strategies wellness features that promote health and well-being in the built environment, ensuring that buildings certified under the standard are not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to the physical and psychological well-being of their occupants.

Is the concept of salutogenesis present in the International WELL Building Institute WELL Standard?

While the term "salutogenesis" may not be explicitly mentioned that often in WELL, many of the principles and features outlined in the WELL Standard align with the salutogenic approach, which focuses on promoting health and well-being rather than solely mitigating disease or risks.

Here are some ways in which salutogenic principles are reflected in the WELL Building Standard:

Holistic Well-Being: The WELL Standard emphasizes a holistic approach to health and well-being, taking into account physical, mental, and social aspects of well-being.
It addresses factors such as air quality, water quality, nourishment, fitness, mind, and comfort, all of which contribute to a comprehensive sense of health and wellness.
User-Centered Design: Much like salutogenesis, the WELL Standard prioritizes user-centered design.
It encourages building owners and designers to engage with occupants, understand their needs and preferences, and create spaces that support their well-being. Occupant engagement is a key component of the standard.
Positive Environmental Factors: The WELL Standard promotes positive environmental factors that can enhance well-being, including access to natural light, views of nature, indoor air quality, and thermal comfort.
These elements align with the salutogenic approach, which recognizes that a supportive environment is essential for health.
Psychological Well-Being: The WELL Standard addresses psychological well-being through features that reduce stress and enhance mental health.
This includes strategies to reduce noise, provide spaces for relaxation and reflection, and support cognitive function—all of which are aligned with the salutogenic aim of promoting mental well-being.
Long-Term Health Promotion: The WELL Standard encourages long-term health promotion by fostering healthy habits and lifestyles among building occupants.
It includes requirements related to nutrition, physical activity, and access to clean water, which align with the salutogenic approach of empowering individuals to make healthier choices.

In summary, while the term "salutogenesis" may not be explicitly used in the WELL Building Standard, the principles and features of the standard clearly align with the salutogenic approach by prioritizing the creation of environments that actively promote and support the health and well-being of building occupants.

What are the health and wellbeing principles of the WELL certification for indoor spaces?

The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and promoting features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being.

It consists of seven key categories or concepts, known as "concepts," each of which focuses on specific aspects of well-being. Within these concepts, there are more than 100 features that can be addressed to achieve WELL certification.

The seven key concepts are:

Air: This concept focuses on indoor air quality and ventilation, aiming to provide occupants with clean and healthy air. It addresses factors such as air filtration, ventilation rates, and the control of indoor pollutants.
Water: The Water concept aims to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water and promote proper hydration. It includes features related to water quality, filtration, and the availability of drinking water.
Nourishment: This concept emphasizes healthy eating habits and nutritional choices. It includes features that encourage access to nutritious foods, portion control, and food labeling.
Light: The Light concept focuses on providing occupants with natural and artificial lighting that supports their circadian rhythms and visual comfort. It addresses aspects such as daylighting, lighting design, and glare control.
Fitness: Fitness promotes physical activity and active living within the built environment. It includes features related to opportunities for exercise, active transportation, and design elements that encourage movement.
Comfort: The Comfort concept aims to create environments that support occupant comfort and reduce stress. It includes features related to thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, ergonomic design, and relaxation spaces.
Mind: The Mind concept addresses psychological well-being and mental health. It includes features that support stress reduction, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and access to nature and biophilia.

Each of these seven concepts has specific features and criteria that can be pursued by building owners, designers, and occupants to achieve WELL certification.

The WELL Building Standard is designed to be flexible, allowing projects to select and implement features based on their specific goals and priorities, with the ultimate aim of creating spaces that enhance human health and well-being.

Contact us if you wish to discuss your WELL certification, WELL Building standard or employee wellbeing project design.

Evidence based design, salutogenesis and healthy buildings