Wold White Bear Lake High School

Designing for holistic well-being: Integrating mental health and wellness into the built environment

Author
Author
Wold Team

Design strategies from Wold’s State of Community Facility Design survey report

At Wold, we believe the spaces we create can transform lives and strengthen communities. With expertise in designing public spaces in the education, healthcare and government sectors, we understand the profound impact thoughtful architecture can have on individuals and communities.

Our State of Community Facility Design survey examines how Americans view the design of public spaces and its influence on mental health and overall well-being. The survey highlights a growing trend: design cannot be just about aesthetics or functionality – it’s about creating spaces that promote wellness, safety and connection.

As we reshape how we live and interact, prioritizing well-being in design is essential for creating spaces that not only meet practical needs but also support the emotional and social well-being of their inhabitants. Download the full report here, and continue reading for several strategies and design principles that can help integrate mental health and wellness into community building design:

Prioritize Natural Light

Research has consistently shown that exposure to natural light has a significant positive effect on mental well-being, productivity and overall mood. Natural light can reduce stress, enhance focus and improve sleep patterns. Incorporating large windows, skylights and open floor plans that allow for maximum natural light penetration helps create healthier environments.

  • Design Considerations: Use materials and layouts that allow sunlight to filter through the building, especially in high-traffic areas such as lobbies, hallways and meeting spaces. Consider utilizing light wells or glass walls to maximize daylighting in deeper parts of a building.
  • Design in Action: Educational and healthcare facilities benefit greatly from ample daylighting, not only supporting mental clarity but also creating a more inviting, uplifting environment for students, patients and staff.

Create Sensory Zones or Areas for Respite

Sensory zones and respite areas are designed to reduce stress and provide spaces for relaxation, reflection or sensory experiences. These spaces can be particularly beneficial for neurodiverse individuals, those with anxiety or PTSD and anyone seeking a break from overstimulating environments.

  • Design considerations: Incorporate features such as soft, muted colors, water features, comfortable seating and natural textures. These elements help create calming spaces that are sensory-friendly and promote relaxation. Sensory rooms can include adjustable lighting, soothing sounds and tactile materials that engage multiple senses without overwhelming users.
  • Design in Action: Sensory rooms and respite areas in public libraries, schools or hospital floors provide quiet areas where individuals can take a break from the bustling environment, offering a crucial space for mental restoration.

Include Flexible, Multi-Purpose Spaces

Flexible spaces promote inclusivity by providing room for a range of activities that support both social and personal wellness. These spaces can be used for quiet reflection, group meetings, yoga or even informal gatherings, depending on the community’s needs at any given time.

  • Design considerations: Use modular furniture, movable partitions and flexible layouts that can be adjusted to suit various purposes. Having multifunctional spaces and furniture allows communities to maximize their buildings' use and ensure they meet a wide array of mental and social health needs.
  • Design in Action: Community centers can feature large rooms that serve as open spaces for yoga or fitness classes in the morning and transform into gathering spaces for community meetings or social events later in the day.

Incorporate Wellness-Focused Amenities

To foster physical and mental well-being, provide amenities that support both relaxation and active engagement. These spaces encourage people to engage in self-care, connect with others and lead healthier lifestyles. Popular wellness amenities include fitness areas, quiet lounges and cafés or kitchens that serve nutritious meals.

  • Design considerations: When designing wellness-focused spaces, consider incorporating features such as walking or jogging paths, bicycle storage, fitness zones and access to healthy food options. Providing spaces for physical activity encourages people to be more active, which directly impacts mental health by reducing stress and increasing endorphins.
  • Design in Action: A hospital or clinic might feature an on-site fitness center for staff and patients to use as part of their recovery. Similarly, community buildings or recreation centers can include open spaces for walking or outdoor fitness stations, fostering physical wellness alongside mental well-being.

Foster Inclusivity and Safety

People need to feel physically and emotionally secure in their surroundings to thrive. By incorporating universal design principles, buildings are more accessible and welcoming to all individuals, regardless of ability, age or background. This includes designing spaces with appropriate lighting, clear signage, safe access points and inclusive features that accommodate diverse needs.

  • Design considerations: Integrate features such as wide doorways, ramps, accessible restrooms and sensory-friendly elements to ensure people with various disabilities feel welcomed and valued. Clear wayfinding systems and lighting also enhance safety, reducing anxiety about navigation.
  • Design in Action: Government buildings and civic spaces that are fully accessible promote a sense of security and belonging for all visitors, regardless of their physical or cognitive needs.

Use Biophilic Design to Connect with Nature

Biophilic design leverages the natural human connection to the environment, enhancing well-being through elements like indoor plants, wood finishes and green roofs. These features create a calming atmosphere and improve air quality, positively impacting mental health.

  • Design considerations: Integrate living walls, indoor gardens or water features into buildings. Even small touches, such as plant installations or access to outdoor green spaces, can significantly affect how people feel in the space.
  • Design in Action: Public buildings with rooftop gardens or abundant greenery are shown to reduce stress, enhance cognitive function and improve overall happiness.

Enhance Well-Being with Outdoor Views

While biophilic design integrates nature within the building, access to views of nature or the outdoors, whether through large windows or nature-inspired artwork, provides a sense of calm and promotes mental clarity.

  • Design Considerations: Position workstations, seating areas and communal spaces near windows or outdoor areas to maximize daylight and access to natural views. Consider incorporating large glass windows that allow unobstructed views of outdoor greenery or parks.
  • Design in Action: Hospitals and educational buildings with large windows providing views of nature improve patient recovery and student concentration, promoting an overall sense of well-being and connection to the environment.

Design for Acoustic Comfort

Noise pollution can negatively impact mental health, causing stress and even affecting productivity and mood. Effective sound design can help control ambient noise levels, making spaces more conducive to relaxation, focus and communication.

  • Design considerations: Sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic panels, carpeting or even hanging baffles can be used to create a quiet environment. Zoned areas that reduce noise levels in spaces like libraries, offices or community centers are essential for maintaining peace and mental clarity.
  • Design in Action: A medical facility might incorporate soundproofing in waiting areas to reduce stress, allowing patients and visitors to feel at ease while waiting for appointments.

How Wold can support you

The State of Community Facility Design survey results make one thing clear: the role of architecture in supporting mental health and well-being is more critical than ever. As communities increasingly prioritize spaces that support their mental and emotional needs, the demand for thoughtful, wellness-focused design will continue to grow.

At Wold, we are committed to leading the conversation on how buildings can support mental health, enhance community engagement and foster a sense of belonging. With a track record of delivering innovative, sustainable projects across the education, healthcare and government sectors, we understand the profound impact architecture can have on mental health and community engagement. We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in building design and are eager to collaborate with clients, partners and leaders to shape the future of community spaces.

To learn more about how Wold can help you design community spaces that prioritize wellness, reach out to our team.

More Insights