Natural lighting, aesthetically pleasing decor, a location that prompts healthy social interaction, and more are all becoming a major focus for real estate developers and designers as protecting one’s mental wellbeing takes the forefront for potential property owners.
We as human beings spend about 90% of our lives in indoor spaces, according to a study from the Journal of Urban Health. With the Covid-19 pandemic, we all experienced what being indoors indefinitely truly felt like, and many conversations were started regarding how we maintain our personal spaces to protect our mental wellbeing.
Our homes are meant to be a safe space where we can unwind, be with our loved ones, embrace our hobbies, and build our families. It’s important that we feel protected and mentally healthy when we’re in our personal spaces, and real estate developers and designers are understanding that too.
Forbes Magazine recently reported that there is actual evidence that shows the way in which buildings are designed can either contribute or hinder one’s well-being when they’re in that space.
Jeffrey Steele wrote that it’s important for humans to have access to green spaces with natural light, and have their space feel aesthetically pleasing to their personal taste to enhance their mental health. Things like a lack of amenities and consistent air/noise pollution in more crowded areas can hinder one’s mental wellbeing. Mary Cook, the president and founder of a commercial interior design firm, emphasized this point.
“Design has a profound impact on mental well-being, influencing how people feel, function, reflect, and connect within a space.”
23.1% of adults in America live with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. One of the best ways that designers are looking into when it comes to keeping people’s mental health at the forefront is by creating spaces that allow socialization.
Being close to natural spaces such as parks and walking pathways that promote getting outside is a major priority.
“Thoughtful interiors can reduce stress, enhance mood and promote both productivity and relaxation,” Cook said.
“By integrating design fundamentals that support emotional and mental wellness – such as natural light, biophilic elements, balanced proportions and eye-pleasing patterns, textures and materials – we can help users feel more comfortable, inspired and at ease in their daily lives.”
“With each project we’re becoming more empathetic developers,” says Alison Mills, CRG senior vice president of design and development.
“Designing with residents in mind — creating a memorable first impression and a well-designed environment that’s responsive to their needs and enhances their quality of life – is the ultimate goal of every project.”
Mills stated that the creation of a “holistic experience that engages all senses” is also a major focus for newer designers. This connects back to the focus on engaging with natural green spaces.
For new workplaces, developers have put focus on well-designed spaces that allow for easy connection. Residential spaces are interconnected to these same choices to make apartment complexes easy to navigate while embracing the surrounding areas and community.
Water elements are an essential part of the design process in order to emphasize all of the intended results for the individual.
“One of the 14 patterns of biophilic design focuses on incorporating water elements in the built environment, through visual, auditory, tactile or sensory connections. Research has determined the presence of water boosts feelings of tranquility and positive emotional responses,” Steele wrote for Forbes.
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.
