Happy by Design: A Guide to Architecture and Mental Wellbeing

Happy by Design explores how architecture and design can make us happy and support mental health,and how poor design can have the opposite effect. It is a fantastic resource for architects,designers,and students,and has been updated to reflect a changed world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: RIBA Publishing

Can good design truly make us happier? Given that we spend over 80% of our time in buildings, shouldn't we have a better understanding of how they make us feel? Happy by Design explores the ways in which buildings, spaces, and cities affect our moods. It reveals how architecture and design can make us happy and support mental health, and explains how poor design can have the opposite effect.

Presented through a series of easy-to-understand design tips and accompanied by beautiful diagrams and illustrations, Happy by Design is a fantastic resource for architects, designers, and students, or for anybody who would like to better understand the relationship between buildings and happiness.

With the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, the importance of designing for mental wellbeing has never been higher on the agenda. Whether through low-energy design, designing in better ventilation to avoid passing on pathogens, or the realization of the importance of accessing nature within an environment, this revised edition has been updated to reflect a changed world.

The impact of design on our happiness is profound. Our surroundings have a significant influence on our mood, behavior, and overall well-being. Buildings, in particular, play a crucial role in shaping our environment and influencing our emotions.

Architecture and design can evoke a range of emotions, from calm and serenity to excitement and energy. The design of a space can create a sense of comfort, relaxation, and security, which can contribute to a positive mood and reduce stress. On the other hand, poor design can create a sense of discomfort, frustration, and anxiety, which can negatively impact our mental health.

One of the key ways in which architecture and design can make us happy is through the use of natural light and ventilation. Buildings that are well-designed with ample natural light and ventilation can create a sense of openness and freshness, which can improve our mood and reduce feelings of depression and fatigue.

In addition, the design of a space can influence our behavior and social interactions. Spaces that are designed with social spaces, such as common areas or shared workspaces, can encourage social interaction and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can have a positive impact on our mental health and well-being.

Another important aspect of good design is the use of color and texture. Color can evoke a range of emotions, from calm and soothing to vibrant and energetic. The use of color in a space can create a mood that influences our behavior and emotions. For example, warm colors, such as red and orange, can create a sense of warmth and energy, while cool colors, such as blue and green, can create a sense of calm and relaxation.

Texture can also play a significant role in the design of a space. Textured surfaces, such as rough concrete or soft fabrics, can create a sense of comfort and relaxation, while rough surfaces, such as exposed brick or metal, can create a sense of energy and excitement.

In addition to the emotional impact of design, architecture and design can also have a positive impact on our physical health. Buildings that are designed with health and wellness in mind, such as those with access to natural light, fresh air, and green spaces, can improve our physical health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Poor design, on the other hand, can have negative consequences for our physical health. Buildings that are designed with poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, or poor ergonomics can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and even health problems.

To create happy and healthy buildings, architects and designers need to consider a range of factors, including the emotional impact of design, the use of natural light and ventilation, the design of social spaces, the use of color and texture, and the impact of design on physical health.

One of the key challenges in designing happy and healthy buildings is the need to balance the practical needs of the building with the emotional needs of the people who will use it. Architects and designers need to work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences and to design buildings that meet both practical and emotional requirements.

In conclusion, good design can truly make us happier. Buildings, spaces, and cities that are designed with our emotional needs in mind can create a sense of comfort, relaxation, and well-being. By understanding the relationship between architecture and design and the impact that they have on our moods, architects and designers can create buildings that support mental health and well-being. Whether through low-energy design, designing in better ventilation to avoid passing on pathogens, or the realization of the importance of accessing nature within an environment, this revised edition has been updated to reflect a changed world.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 123 x 187 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915722287
Edition number: Revised ed