GWS 2017: Wellness Architecture | Veronica Schreibeis Smith

Summary

This transcript explores the emerging field of wellness architecture, which emphasizes the impact of building designs on human well-being and environmental sustainability. The speaker critiques traditional building materials and practices, advocating for natural, regenerative solutions that promote health, productivity, and happiness. The concept of wellness architecture encourages designs that integrate with nature, improve mental and physical health, and foster positive behaviors. It also stresses the importance of intuition in design, the role of architecture in behavior change, and the need for a shift in education and industry standards to prioritize human well-being alongside environmental responsibility.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wellness architecture goes beyond sustainability by focusing on how design enhances human well-being across all dimensions—physical, mental, emotional, and social.
• 🌱 Greenwashing is a major issue in the building industry, with many products marketed as eco-friendly despite being toxic or harmful to human health and the environment.
• 💡 Moving away from just 'doing less harm,' wellness architecture focuses on designing spaces that actively improve health and well-being.
• 🏠 Natural materials, such as sheep's wool insulation, should be prioritized over toxic alternatives like spray foam, which pose health risks.
• 🔬 The built environment directly impacts behavior, productivity, and overall well-being. Architecture can influence mood and cognitive function, improving both personal and workplace performance.
• 💰 Investing in wellness architecture can result in significant savings in healthcare costs. For example, improving building practices could reduce U.S. healthcare spending by $1 trillion annually.
• 🌍 Regenerative systems and natural materials should be used in construction to create buildings that not only minimize harm but also support long-term environmental and human health.
• 🎨 Intuitive design is essential for wellness architecture. Architects must rely on their instincts to create spaces that promote health, rather than relying solely on checklists or standardized practices.
• 🌿 Buildings should reflect the local ecology, using passive design and natural materials that harmonize with the environment and grow out of nature.
• 🌟 The future of wellness architecture involves integrating cutting-edge technologies like biosensors, color therapy, and sound therapy to create environments that respond to human needs and enhance emotional and physical health.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's message in the transcript?

The central theme of the speaker's message is the importance of 'wellness architecture,' which aims to design environments that enhance human well-being, health, and productivity, while also being environmentally sustainable.

How does the speaker compare modern human building practices to the actions of prairie dogs?

The speaker uses the analogy of prairie dogs to illustrate how human construction practices, much like the prairie dogs' burrowing, disrupt natural environments and harm the land. This comparison highlights the destructive nature of certain building habits and the need for change.

What are the negative health impacts of eco-friendly spray foam mentioned in the transcript?

The speaker explains that eco-friendly spray foam contains carcinogenic materials, disrupts development in children, harms the respiratory system, and is toxic to mammals. Additionally, it contributes to global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, smog, and has high embodied energy.

What is the key difference between environmentalism and wellness architecture according to the speaker?

While environmentalism focuses on minimizing harm to the planet, wellness architecture goes a step further by considering the well-being of people. It emphasizes how built environments can actively improve health, happiness, and overall human well-being.

Why does the speaker argue that intuition is essential in architectural design?

The speaker argues that intuition is essential in architectural design because wellness is a complex, multifaceted concept that can't be fully addressed through rigid checklists. Intuition allows architects to create environments that are human-centered and responsive to the nuanced needs of individuals.

What is meant by 'regenerative systems' in wellness architecture?

Regenerative systems in wellness architecture refer to designs that mimic nature, using sustainable materials and techniques that not only minimize environmental impact but also improve and restore the ecological health of the area over time.

How does the speaker envision the future of architecture with respect to technology and science?

The speaker envisions a future where technology and science allow architects to create buildings that enhance human well-being through innovations like biosensors, color therapy, sound therapy, and harmonic resonance, leading to environments that actively nourish the body, mind, and soul.

What role does the speaker believe architects play in fostering wellness beyond traditional design?

The speaker believes architects have a crucial role in fostering wellness by not only designing aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces but also by considering how these spaces can influence health, behavior, and overall well-being, creating environments that heal and support people.

What is the significance of the proposed change in the AIA's health, safety, and welfare (HSW) credits?

The proposed change in the AIA’s HSW credits — from focusing on 'welfare' to 'well-being' — is significant because it signals a shift towards recognizing the broader impacts of architecture on human health, mental and emotional well-being, and quality of life, in addition to physical safety.

What is the speaker's perspective on the connection between architecture and human behavior?

The speaker emphasizes that architecture has the power to influence human behavior, citing environmental psychology research that shows how surroundings can impact everything from productivity and job performance to emotional well-being and mental health.