Space and Layout – The Blueprints of Well-being
Non Architecture March 27, 2024
Ever walk into a room and feel instantly at ease? Or the opposite—like the walls are closing in? That’s not just in your head; it’s the space speaking to you. In this session, we’re diving into the art of arranging a room, a building, or even a public square in a way that’s not just visually captivating but emotionally enriching. Note: At the top of the page, you’ll find the materials section related to this topic.
What’s the Vibe?:🙌🕺
From open floor plans that breed creativity to cozy nooks that offer a moment of solitude, we’ll explore the psychological impacts of various layouts. And yeah, we’ll dig into how these spatial arrangements can either be a mood booster or a major buzzkill.
Inclusivity Matters:🌏💕
We’ll also chat about how design inclusivity isn’t just ethical—it’s essential. From wheelchair accessibility to child-friendly zones, inclusive design enhances well-being for everyone.
The Nitty-Gritty:
Get ready to delve into elements like sightlines, focal points, zoning, and how architectural features like partitions can either impede or enhance social interactions.
Why This Rocks:🤟🛋️
This isn’t just about putting walls up; it’s about breaking barriers down. After this session, you’ll be brainstorming ways to rearrange spaces for better vibes, improved function, and yes, happier people.
🎯 Your Challenge
(Please note that this challenge is entirely optional. Choosing not to do it will not compromise your final result or your ability to earn a certificate for this course. The challenge is designed to offer an additional layer of engagement and practical experience, but it is not a requirement for successful course completion.)
Ever looked at a floor plan and thought, “Nah, that could be better!”? Well, here’s your chance to prove it. We’re going to shuffle a room layout to prioritize well-being, and the best part? You’re the boss architect for this mini-project!
What You Need:
- A piece of paper
- Pencils or colored markers
- A floor plan (can be your own room, an office space, or any room you’re familiar with)
How to Roll:
- Sketch It Out: Quickly sketch the existing layout of the chosen room on a piece of paper. If you’re not in the mood to draw, that’s cool—just grab a floor plan online that closely resembles your space.
- Identify Zones: Mark zones for different activities—working, relaxing, socializing, etc.
- Shuffle Time: Now, imagine you have the power to rearrange everything—walls, furniture, open spaces. Redraw the layout focusing on improving well-being. Think about elements like light, flow, and spatial relationships. Get creative!
- Well-being Boosters: Label areas or features you’ve added or modified that specifically contribute to well-being. This could be anything from a reading nook for emotional well-being to an open window for better ventilation.
Reflection:
- What changes did you make to improve well-being?
- How did your new layout address the different aspects of well-being—physical, mental, emotional?
What’s Next?
Snap a pic of your “before” and “after” floor plans and post them in the Meditation Roofs Competition Group! Discuss what changes you made and why.
Playing around with space is more than an exercise in aesthetics—it’s a lesson in creating environments that make people feel good. Plus, it’s just plain fun. 🎉📝
So grab your sketchpad and let’s get spatial! 📐📏
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HEALTH AND ARCHITECTURE IN THE HOME AND OFFICE: SPACE AND LAYOUT
Many people may not give it much thought, but the space and LAYOUT of a building can have a significant impact on our health. Studies have shown that all manner of decisions from the colour to the location of amenities in a building can affect our moods and well-being. For this reason, architects and designers need to consider how their choices in mapping out a floor plan will affect the people who move around it.
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ARCHITECTURE AND HEALTH: HOW SPACES CAN IMPACT OUR EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
ARCHDAILY readers have already expressed their opinion on how psychology is essential to build healthy and pleasant spaces to live in, and for this reason, we decided to explore the impacts of the spatial experience on each person's well-being, improving quality of life and reducing mental stress. In other words, architecture not only contributes to physical health through ergonomics but also affects our emotional comfort.
- THE HIDDEN WAYS THAT ARCHITECTURE AFFECTS HOW YOU FEEL
We now know that buildings and cities can affect our mood and well-being, and that specialised cells in the hippocampal region of our brains are attuned to the geometry and ARRANGEMENT of the spaces we inhabit.
Yet urban architects have often paid scant attention to the potential cognitive effects of their creations on a city’s inhabitants. The imperative to design something unique and individual tends to override considerations of how it might shape the behaviours of those who will live with it. That could be about to change.