Designing Commercial Spaces for Wellness and Mental Health
The design of commercial spaces is not limited to creating a functional layout and aesthetics. Designing spaces for wellness and mental health is becoming a priority in today’s fast-paced and high-stress environment. Creating a healthy and calming environment can enhance the productivity, well-being, and creativity of the commercial building’s users, including visitors and employees.
Neenan Archistruction® is a top-rated commercial architectural design firm based in Fort Collins and serving nationwide. We offer beautiful and functional buildings for our clients based on their needs, and we utilize a Collaborative Design Process so that our customers have a say throughout the entire construction process. Here are some key considerations for designing commercial spaces that promote wellness and mental health. Contact us today.
Natural Light
Exposure to natural light has proven benefits to mental health and well being. By maximizing natural light access through the use of large windows and glass walls can increase daylight. Natural light has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety and increased productivity and creativity.
Biophilic Design
Biophilia suggests that humans have a natural connection with nature, which can enhance their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Incorporating biophilic design elements, such as living walls, greenery, and natural materials, which mimic nature, can enhance the connection of the users with nature, promoting a calming and comfortable environment that reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
Color Psychology
Colors have a significant impact on our emotions, behaviors, and moods. Choosing the right colors can impact the productivity and emotional state of the users. For instance, using natural earthy colors like green, blue or brown can create a calming ambiance that reduces stress and promotes wellness. Colors such as red and yellow are considered stimulating and can promote creativity and energy.
Acoustical Design
Noise pollution can trigger feelings of irritability and stress, increasing anxiety and disrupting concentration. Acoustical design involves the use of sound-absorbing materials like carpets, acoustic ceilings, and wall panels that can reduce unwanted noise and improve concentration and mental well-being in commercial spaces.
Space Design
Creating a well-planned and hygienic space design promotes a mental connection between the users and the space. The layout of furniture and fixtures should take ergonomics into consideration to promote comfort, ease of movement, and positive posture. For example, including standing desks, meditation areas, and well-ventilated spaces can be helpful in reducing workplace stress levels.
Multi-Function and Flexibility
Creating multi-functional spaces that can serve various needs can promote flexibility and adaptability, promoting creativity and collaboration. Including furniture, ergonomic chairs, and movable partitions in the design can provide users with the ability to configure the space according to their needs, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Art
The use of art can be highly beneficial in commercial spaces, engaging the mind and creating a positive emotional response. Incorporating art pieces and paintings in the design can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, elevating the mood and emotional well-being of the users.
Integration of Technology
The integration of technology can enhance wellness in commercial spaces by facilitating access to mental health and wellness applications and providing key data to improve productivity. Technology can help reduce physical stress through the use of voice-activated devices and encourage physical exercise through gamification and immersive technologies.
PARTNER WITH OUR COMMERCIAL BUILDING DESIGN FIRM
Commercial spaces designed with mental health and wellness in mind positively impact users’ productivity, creativity, and emotional well-being. By incorporating elements that promote a healthy environment, you can create a positive workplace for all to enjoy. Neenan Archistruction® offers a collaborative approach to the design process in order to ensure our customers’ visions for their commercial building come to fruition. To learn more about our unique Archistruction® process, schedule a free consultation today!
