Today’s buildings have more of a focus on open, sustainable design than ever before as growing numbers of companies want offices that not only make the most of the space but also get the best from the people inside.
Developers are coming round to this new way of thinking. Instead of focusing on rents and Grade A specifications they’re increasingly focusing on what drives people and productivity.
It certainly makes sense: In an age where we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, it’s all the more essential to consider the wellness component of a development. Recent research data has shown that improved views, well-designed artificial lighting and increased use of daylight wherever possible can increase productivity by up to 5.5 per cent. Floor-to-ceiling glazing, for example, provides abundant natural daylight into workspaces to improve the sense of wellbeing of occupants. Meanwhile good air quality within buildings can help to reduce sick leave by up to 35 per cent, and even a view of nature can help boost productivity. Research has shown that a 40-second micro-break overlooking a green roof can result in higher concentration levels compared with views of a concrete roof.
Yet what happens indoors is only part of the building design. The outside space is equally important. We may only spend 10 percent of our time outdoors but the structures that form part of the built environment have a significant impact on how we think and feel about our daily lives.
Instead of talking about the kinds of materials and finishes that make buildings more aesthetically pleasing, let’s better understand the factors that define our perception of urban spaces from air quality to suitable amenities and how these affect our physical and mental well-being.