Environmental psychology in healthy buildings interiors — biofilico wellness interiors
We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us - Sir Winston Churchill, 1943
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We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us - Sir Winston Churchill, 1943 〰️
Introduction to Environmental Psychology
Environmental psychology is a multidisciplinary field that explores the intricate relationship between human beings and their physical environment. It examines how both natural and built environments shape our experiences, behaviors, and overall well-being. Environmental psychologists delve into the impact of physical settings on human behavior, investigating how elements like natural environments, urban planning, and architectural design influence our daily lives. By understanding these complex interactions, environmental psychologists can inform the design of sustainable and healthy buildings, promote conservation psychology, and mitigate environmental risks. This field is crucial for creating spaces that not only meet our physical needs but also enhance our mental and emotional well-being.
Healthy Buildings, Sustainability, and Environmental Psychology
Healthy buildings are meticulously designed to promote the physical and mental well-being of their occupants. Environmental psychologists play a pivotal role in this process, ensuring that these buildings are not only sustainable but also conducive to human health and productivity. By incorporating natural environments, such as green spaces and natural light, into building design, they create physical settings that support human well-being. Sustainable development is a cornerstone of environmental psychology, aiming to balance human needs with environmental conservation. In the face of climate change, environmental psychologists address pressing issues through research and design interventions that encourage sustainable behaviors and reduce environmental risks. Their work ensures that buildings contribute positively to both human health and the planet’s well-being.
healthy buildings, sustainability and environmental psychology
As healthy building consultants, we combine concern for both physical and mental wellbeing of building occupants with a parallel effort to minimize environmental impact.
These two concepts of sustainable, green buildings and healthy buildings designed with occupant wellbeing in mind, are therefore in one sense at least operating at two different scales.
In the case of the former, the building is part of an increasingly delicate natural ecosystem that has no start or end point as such, meaning a real estate developer, landlord or tenant is assuming responsibility for their contribution to something urgent yet ultimately global in scope - the health of our planet and the environmental impact legacy we will pass on to future generations.
healthy building strategies in architectural psychology
Healthy building strategies are comparatively small-scale and hyper local, i.e. they are more immediately connected to the activities going on within a specific building or space. As such, there is a tangible connection between an individual occupant and their experience of the building they are in.
Partly this is about physical elements such as Indoor air Quality, for example, or Active Design features that encourage movement, yet a large slice of it is connected to environmental psychology. Various research methods, including interviews, data analysis, field studies, and lab experiments, are used in environmental psychology to understand the impact of built and natural environments on human behavior and well-being.
Theories of Environmental Psychology
Environmental psychology is underpinned by several theories that elucidate the complex relationships between humans and their environment. Ecological psychology, for instance, emphasizes the interconnectedness of human and natural systems, highlighting how our surroundings influence our behavior and well-being. Conservation psychology focuses on the importance of preserving natural environments for the benefit of human health. These theories provide a framework for understanding how physical environments affect human behavior and well-being. By applying these theoretical insights, environmental psychologists can design interventions that promote sustainable behaviors, reduce environmental risks, and enhance overall human well-being. These theories are essential for developing strategies that create harmonious and sustainable living environments.
The Role of Environmental Psychologists
Environmental psychologists are integral to promoting sustainable development and mitigating environmental risks. They collaborate with architects, urban planners, and policymakers to design physical environments that support human well-being while minimizing environmental impact. Through rigorous research on human behavior and environmental interactions, they provide valuable insights that inform design and policy decisions. Environmental psychologists also engage with communities to foster sustainable behaviors and develop conservation psychology initiatives. By leveraging their expertise, they create healthy and sustainable environments that not only enhance human well-being but also contribute to environmental conservation. Their work is vital in shaping spaces that are both livable and sustainable.
What is environmental psychology and how does it impact a healthy building?
Environmental psychology is formally defined as “the interaction between humans and the surrounding environment… how environment influences us but we also influence the environment” (ref)).
Environmental psychology is a branch of psychology that explores the relationship between humans and the world around us. It is concerned with the influence of natural and built environment on how we feel, think, and behave (ref). The Journal of Environmental Psychology is a key source of authoritative information on the topics and scope of environmental psychology, encompassing various interdisciplinary studies relating to the interactions between people and their physical environments.
An important part of environmental psychology is recognizing the positive and negative effects any given space can have: for example, the impact of environmental stressors like noise and crowding or conversely the restorative effect of incorporating nature.
cognitive vs environmental
This topic can further be broken down into two subcategories:
cognitive/physiological/behavioral aspects
more environmentally conscious, conservation aspects
The cognitive/ behavioral/ physiological part makes use of methods such as restoration (mood-improvement), wayfinding (how people find their way in new places, place attachment (what are physical things that make people get attached to certain place), etc. The physical environment affects our behavior, emotions, and cognition, playing a crucial role in environmental psychology by shaping human experiences and promoting wellbeing.
The conservation side focuses more on the relationships between people and the natural world as well as putting emphasis on how society treats our surrounding environment and preserves nature-based connections.
Before getting into what environmental differences can affect the mind and mental wellbeing for occupants in a building, it is important to have a general understanding of how surroundings can positively or negatively impact health.
For more on what constitutes a healthy building see our dedicated article here.
How can a building's physical environment affect our health?
When doing research on how exactly the body reacts to different nature-made vs. man-made environments, most ideas circle back to the influence of the natural environment on human experiences and well-being, particularly through the concept of circadian rhythm and its impact.
Circadian rhythm is an internal clock that helps signal different processes within the body according to time of day. This one biological process can have drastic effects on many other processes such as hormone production and release; motivational drives on cognition, etc.
Therefore, when utilizing biophilic design as a healthy building strategy for example, it is important to keep circadian rhythm in mind.
Incorporating Natural Environments
Incorporating natural environments into building design and urban planning is a fundamental aspect of environmental psychology. Natural environments, such as parks and green spaces, have been shown to significantly promote human well-being and reduce environmental risks. Environmental psychologists work closely with architects and urban planners to design physical environments that integrate natural elements, including natural light, ventilation, and materials. By embedding these natural components into design, they create sustainable and healthy buildings that support human well-being and environmental conservation. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic and functional quality of spaces but also fosters a deeper connection between people and the natural world, promoting overall well-being and sustainability.
Biofilico Wellness Interiors
Exploring the Concept and Its Importance in Modern Architecture
Biofilico wellness interiors represent a design philosophy that integrates elements of nature into built environments to enhance human well-being and health. Rooted in the concept of biophilia, which suggests that humans have an inherent desire to connect with nature, this approach leverages natural elements such as plants, natural light, and water features to create spaces that foster physical and mental well-being.
Environmental psychologists have long emphasized the significance of the physical environment in shaping human behavior and well-being. Research has consistently demonstrated that exposure to natural environments can lower stress levels, elevate mood, and even mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression. By incorporating biofilico wellness interiors into modern architecture, designers can create spaces that not only support physical health but also enhance mental well-being and productivity. This holistic approach to design ensures that the built environment contributes positively to the overall quality of life for its occupants.
Designing Healthy Buildings Interiors
Practical Strategies and Design Principles
Designing healthy building interiors necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between humans and their physical environments. Environmental psychologists and architects collaborate to create spaces that promote both physical and mental well-being by adhering to design principles that prioritize natural light, ventilation, and connections to nature.
One effective strategy for designing healthy building interiors is the incorporation of natural light. Natural light has been shown to offer numerous benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress levels, and enhanced cognitive function. Architects can achieve this by integrating large windows, skylights, and solar tubes into the design, thereby allowing natural light to permeate the space and foster a sense of well-being.
Another crucial design principle is the emphasis on ventilation and air quality. Poor air quality can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health, such as an increased risk of respiratory issues and diminished cognitive performance. By implementing ventilation systems that prioritize the influx of fresh air and minimize pollutants, designers can create environments that support both physical and mental health. These strategies, grounded in the insights of environmental psychologists, ensure that building interiors contribute positively to the well-being of their occupants.
WELL Healthy Building standard - restorative spaces in healthy buildings
International WELL Building Institute has a set of recommended standards for integrating natural components into workspace environments and other real estate projects as a way to protect the mental wellbeing of occupants. The Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) plays a crucial role in promoting interdisciplinary communication within the field of environmental psychology, facilitating the exchange of ideas and research between practitioners and researchers to address complex human-environment interactions.
A set-piece interior space focusing on mental wellbeing in particular is often called a restorative space, or a recharge room. These concepts typically make use of a combination of:
wellness lighting (dimmable light levels, Circadian lighting intensities in tune with our 24 hour internal clock)
sound wellness (water features, nature sounds, sound masking strategies)
thermal comfort (sun-exposed outdoor spaces or carefully shaded areas, comfortable indoor temperatures)
comfortable seating arrangements (movable light weight chairs, cushions, mats)
nature and biophilic design (calming natural colors, textures and plants)
visual privacy, in order to complete internal practices such as prayers, meditation or a power nap :)
The role of environmental psychologists in environmental psychology
This also applies to studying interpersonal relationships with environment taken into consideration. Looking into things like privacy, personal space, and having a sense of ownership for a space while also keeping in mind questions like: “how can people learn to better navigate the environment they are in,” and “why are certain environments preferred over others?”
Eastern Buddhist traditions of mental wellbeing
An Interesting Comparison Study from the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies Explored Connections from Buddhist Teachings to Western Psychology. (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-12925-003)
The Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies conducted a fascinating comparison study that explored the connections between Buddhist teachings and Western psychology. This study revealed that both traditions emphasize the importance of mental balance and well-being, albeit through different approaches. While Western psychology often focuses on external factors, such as the built environment, Buddhist teachings stress the significance of internal mental training and balance.
This comparison is particularly relevant to environmental psychology and healthy building design. By integrating principles from both traditions, designers can create spaces that not only address external environmental factors but also support internal mental well-being. For instance, incorporating elements that promote mindfulness and relaxation, such as quiet meditation areas or spaces with natural elements, can enhance the overall well-being of building occupants. This holistic approach ensures that the built environment supports both the physical and mental health of its users, aligning with the core principles of environmental psychology.
An interesting comparison study from the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies explored connections from Buddhist teachings to Western Psychology. (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-12925-003 )
Although it is useful to keep in mind the surrounding environment's effect on mental health, both western and Buddhist teachings believe that happiness derived from internal, mental training lasts longer than that from external sources, such as the built environments we spend our days in, such as an office, home, school or gym.
Buddhists believe that a lack of overall mental wellbeing is a sign of internal imbalances, requiring focused attention through meditation practices and so on in order to integrate these ‘issues' whatever they may be into our psyche.
Equally, for Buddhist practitioners, happiness itself can be a fundamentally ephemeral or at the very least fluctuating experience for most of us, unless we are ‘enlightened' and have found our own internal happiness, rather than chasing after external sources of happiness.
For example, Buddhist teachings stress the importance of mental balance with a fourfold theory of combining conative balance, attentional balance, cognitive balance and affective balance. Things like anxiety, depression, etc are thought to result from an unbalanced mind while a healthy, uninjured mind is thought to be better prepared to deal with stresses.
Buddhist principles for mental wellbeing in natural environments
Conative Balance refers to the ability that allows to set intention; having set goals increases motivation and commitment than desire alone while stressing the importance of realistic expectations and having clear goals as a way to predict happiness.
Attentional Balance is the development of sustained attention for optimal performance. This can be applied with mindful breathing as a sense of focus, the theory of flow – being involved in an activity for its own sake. Mindfulness practices such as meditation are also a key component in developing this skill, for example.
Cognitive Balance implies being calmly and clearly present; engaging in the world without making assumptions or misleading ideas. Being present in the moment, without judgement in other words. This can be seen through mindfulness training and stress-reduction that results in not getting caught up in expectations.
Affective Balance is having a clear and cohesive mix of the other three.
Summary on environmental psychology in the built environment
The essence of environment psychology has to do with the environment, yes but mainly relies on healthy minds as the goal and environmental factors as a stepping-stone to get there. While there are many techniques that can be included in design, there is no “one” answer.
Everything comes down to asking the question: “how will this affect my mentality?” and the answer to that, varies according to the context of each building or interior space situations.