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The spaces where we spend time should make us healthier.
Much of the conversation surrounding health today includes terms such as organic, locally grown, HIIT, Tabata, meditation, and self-care. Rarely do we hear healthy space mentioned in the mainstream conversation surrounding health and wellness.
Unfortunately, the current standard for interior spaces often proves to be detrimental to our health and well-being. As a society, we need to begin to focus on how interior spaces are impacting us and start bringing proactive wellness to the environments where we live our lives.
The spaces where we spend our time, both residential and commercial, should not detract from our overall health.
Proactively healthy spaces can be achieved through many different factors.
Environmental Factors
Lighting
Today's popular artificial lights options, such as LED and fluorescent, have many health detriments. High levels of harmful blue light, UV radiation, glare, and shadows can disrupt our circadian rhythm. This leads to loss of sleep, heart problems, stress, headaches, depression, anxiety, loss of productivity and more.
In an article published by Business Insider regarding M Moser Associates' office redesign, they reference the fact that without access to natural light spaces can make us depressed. So, how do we gain more access to natural light when we spend so much time indoors?
Through healthy interior designs that utilize OLED light fixtures.
OLED light technology, used in all of Nadarra's products, brings health and wellness to a space. OLEDs have the right amount of blue light, are naturally diffuse in nature, and are a full spectrum light source. OLEDs are the artificial light source closest to natural sunlight. This is essential as people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Read more about the benefits of OLED technology for health and well-being from the leader in OLED research and development, OLEDWorks.
Ventilation
Poorly ventilated offices can lead to an increase in toxic chemicals being consumed. Interior design additions such as movable green walls and air quality control monitors can help to purify indoor air and make sure levels remain as close to clean as possible.
Material
Materials such as wood have proven to have a strong impact on our senses. In a study by M Moser's Dr. Christine Bruckner, wood was proven to have a welcoming tone, reduce stress, and promote health in an indoor environment. In regards to lighting, OLED light technology is versatile and its thin flexible nature allows it to be incorporated directly into design. Nadarra’s Fioda fixture uses wood to add a natural element to the design and bring the outdoors in. Providing connections to nature has proven beneficial for our health and well-being, bringing comfort and leisure to often more intense environments such as large cities.
Eco-friendly and organic materials selection is a basis for healthy design. Selecting natural materials relieves a space of toxic chemicals brought on by materials like plastics that may contain VOCs. In regards to OLED light technology, they are made using organic materials and contain no hazardous chemicals such as mercury.
Beautiful Aesthetic
Beautiful spaces make us healthier
Yes, it’s true! Good design is not solely limited to functionality. Studies on aesthetics from the perception of neuroscience - or neuroaesthetics - demonstrate that designs with the deliberate intention of incorporating beauty are imperative to human psychological well-being.
Weaving functional elements like lighting into the beautify of space can have a positive impact on human senses.
However, we all know beauty is subjective, which is why design is intriguing and ever-changing. There is no right or wrong. Beautiful spaces combine the various principles of design to create spaces that adapt to local cultures, meet occupant needs, and bring positive energy.
Final Thoughts
Rooms that inspire wellness create comfortable living spaces for our daily routines. Hospitality spaces that inspire wellness lead to guest relaxation, overall happiness, and ultimately repeat reservations. The health of a space cannot be an afterthought but rather it should be ingrained into the original design of a space. Through healthy light, healthy air, and healthy materials, spaces can actually make us healthier both physically and mentally.