Architecture & Design

32 | Architecture & Design with a focus on designing spaces that are welcoming and supportive for all individuals, regardless of their needs or abilities. Overall, our goal is to create environments that promote healing, rejuvenation, and a sense of joy and wellbeing. How can spaces affect our mental health? Numerous studies have shown that interior design can have a significant impact on mental health by affecting mood, stress levels, and overall well-being. According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, "exposure to nature and natural elements, such as daylight and plants, has been shown to enhance mood, decrease stress, and promote restoration." (Joye, van den Berg, & Tack, 2019). The use of colours and lighting in interior design can also have an impact on mental health, with warm colours and natural lighting promoting relaxation and calmness, while bright and artificial lighting can cause stress and agitation. Overall, interior design plays a crucial role in creating spaces that promote positive mental health outcomes. Design, art and architecture open up endless possibilities through innovation. It also leaves a mark on what has been acknowledged by incorporating thoughtful and intentional design elements, such as: 1. Lighting: Proper lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, improve productivity and mood, and reduce eye strain. Natural lighting is preferred, but if it's not possible, then artificial lighting that mimics natural light can be used. 2. Colours: Affect our emotions and mood. For example, warm colours like red, orange, and yellow can create an energetic and lively environment, while cool colours like blue, green, and purple can create a calm and peaceful environment. 3. Furniture: Ergonomic furniture is essential to create a comfortable and supportive workspace. It can help to reduce physical discomfort and strain, which can lead to increased productivity and better overall well-being. 4. Indoor plants: Plants not only add aesthetic value to a space, but they also have numerous health benefits. They improve air quality, reduce stress levels, and increase productivity. 5. Accessibility: Designing spaces that are accessible to all individuals, regardless of physical ability, is crucial. Thoughtful design elements such as wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and adjustable height desks can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment. Incorporating these elements into interior design can have a significant impact on mental and physical well- being, creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also promote health and wellness. An architect and professor Jan Golembiewski, based in Sydney and founder of architectural practise Psychological Design, has shown that the neurological mechanism on the quality of external - environmental - stimuli impacts the symptoms of the severely mentally ill. The firm offers specialists in architecture that require a greater understanding of its inhabitants, including educational design, aged care, residential design and more. By designing positive environments for these individuals, one can prevent unwanted behaviours. He is developing different design languages, enhancing spaces for those with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, schizophrenia, autism and alzheimer's. As Golembiewski states, "Design and architecture can create spaces that support and promote mental health and well-being." Furthermore, it's not just the colour that helps the wellbeing. The type of materials aligning with the five senses (taste, hearing, sight, smell and touch) that are being used in the space will also affect the individual. Neuroscientists have discovered that thoughtful design choices, from flooring to lighting, can lead to a better way of living for those with mental health issues or on the autism spectrum. By incorporating inclusive and accessible design principles, individuals with disabilities, both visible and invisible, can benefit from spaces designed for their needs. Whether it's ramps or elevators for wheelchair users or reducing overstimulation for those with sensory processing disorders, designing for diversity and accessibility is crucial for creating spaces that support and promote well-being. Some of these benefits include: - Connecting the user to the space. - Safe space to grow and develop. - Calming environments that assist in concentration and focus and decrease stress and anxiety. -Enhance social interaction without risk. Joinwell Mill Street, Qormi +356 2278 2000, info@joinwell.com.mt www.joinwell.com.mt

• Cover