What is Mindful Design?

Posted by The Landsite on 11th July 2022 -

The post lock-down / post pandemic Work From Home lifestyle has greatly impacted the way many of us now live and work.  Whilst many are back in the office, a large sway of the working population continues to work from home. 

The question is where do we find ourselves within the next two or three years? That is something no-one can predict.

The likelihood is that we’ll be converting to a hybrid working model where people work partly from home and partly from the office. We’re seeing lots of new-build developers double down on the inclusion of multi-purpose space within the home: a living space that can also function as a work environment.

Businesses unable to operate with a WFH model have had to adopt 'mindful design' to entice the work force back.

What is mindful design? 

 Mindfulness can be defined as ‘a technique you can learn which involves making a special effort to notice what's happening in the moment (mind, body and surroundings) – without judging anything’. (1) This means that ‘surroundings’ and therefore architecture are important to an individual’s experience of mindfulness both personal and business.

Mindful design concepts are varied but some examples include;

• Lighting - Sufficient exposure to daylight and effective indoor lighting solutions.  Lighting plays a massive role on our moods.  One of the most effective treatments for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is the use of alternative sunlight energy sources.  Read more How Big a Part Does Lighting Play in a Total Room Experience?
• Create a sense of community spirit through an open plan working / living re-design. This includes office break out areas, shared kitchens or open plan work areas. 
• Access to green spaces and the creation of community gardens etc. for winter as well as summer.  Inclusion of living walls and indoor plants contribute to a sense of wellbeing. 
• Smart renewable energy technology and sustainable materials - Make use of renewable energy technologies such as solar powered heat sources for outdoor spaces during the winter months.   

Adopting mindful design concepts at  WFH or at the workplace is not the only driving factor to personal or commercial success but it is an underlying factor which should not be ignored in todays post covid world.   Awareness and empathy towards our mental health should not be ignored.  

You can learn more about Mindul Architecture with Aqua Architecture

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