some instances stair landings could form quite large areas that could possibly have seating which could also encourage use and interaction.
the ability to adversely affect building occupants and its impact on them has negative effects.
Architects therefore should be aware of the impact that Sick Building Syndrome and poorly designed architectural environments have on its occupants and this should encourage and motivate them to use natural ventilation methods and elements to ensure the well-being of the building users.
One of the key elements that architects need to consider in building design for social interaction and well-being is to avoid deep plans. The massing and form of a building plays a crucial role in determining this and architects need to create voids within the building mass and form to create spaces that allow for effective natural ventilation and day lighting to enter into the various parts of the building. These voids created are perfect opportunities to create atriums, courtyards and balconies, whereby architects can also create spaces that encourage social interaction to occur. Within these voids in the form and massing of the building it is important that architects utilise the various day lighting and ventilation tools mentioned in appendix 4. A combination of these tools will ensure that effective measures are taken to achieve successful ventilation and day lighting which is critical in achieving occupant well- being.
Creating voids within building forms and mass gives architects the opportunity to play with these spaces. The uses of Biophilic elements such as water and plants in these spaces help create environments which further enhance the well-being of building occupants. These spaces are perfect for architects to create opportunities for people to socially interact and get away from the many stresses encountered on a daily basis to provide for relaxation which is necessary in any architectural environment.
It can also be concluded that water plays a valuable role in healing people form stress, through its calming and tranquil properties. As well as its ability to purify the air, reduce unwanted noise and act as a visual relaxant that stimulates the journey through space impacting on the five senses. Architects need to consider the impact that water can have in enhancing the interior environment and the effects it has on well-being by exploring the properties that water holds. It is therefore important to include water in designs as it generates positive feelings and experiences within an individual.
Healthy air is vital for the well-being of building occupants. As discussed plants, water and sun play a major role in purifying air (Day 2002, p. 51). Grinde & Patil (2009, p. 2334) state
that the use and visual presence of plants in the built environment can further reduce stress, as responses to aesthetically pleasing visual stimuli can release tension. It is clear that the presence and the ability of plants to purify, cool the air, attract dust, absorb air pollutants and produce oxygen has a positive impact on building occupants and they play a vital role in determining human well-being.
The careful selection of colours as well as the placement of colours (floors, walls, ceilings) is crucial in terms of the success of the architectural space. Colour is a major factor in establishing a room’s experience, it contributes significantly to the emotional loading that a space portrays as well as the ambience. Architects should consider the selection of colour as it can enhance their designs. When colour is selected with thought to every space within a building it can aid in supporting the function of the building and the tasks that are to be performed within it. It can also avoid overstimulation and under stimulation to building users.
It further contributes to the well-being and experience of the building users and does not create negative emotional and physiological effects that impact on the role that the building was designed for. Architectural spaces that capture the ambience of the space are aesthetically pleasing and thus can create environments that positively impact on the building users by leading to restfulness, pleasantness, enjoyment and excitement which all contribute to their well-being. It is important that architects advise clients on the choice of colours to create environments that have no physiological implications on the building users.
Mahnke states: An architectural space should not just have a colour (for colour's sake), but rather its appropriate colour that fits the purpose of the building or space" (Manhke 1996, p.
131).
The materials selected are important in the way they represent themselves to the users and how these users perceive the building through material selection. The more natural the building material selected the more positive these environments will appear to building users and the healthier the indoor air quality. It is important to select natural materials over synthetic materials as they contain fewer toxins, pollutants and are more environmental friendly. Careful consideration should be given to selection of materials that are VOC and toxin free over materials that are toxic and place the well-being of building occupants at risk.
It has been clearly stated that both materials and building finishes do have physiological impacts on well-being. Consideration and care should be taken in selecting appropriate building materials and finishes.
It is imperative that architects design sociopetal spaces within buildings to bring people together and allow them the opportunity to interact. Both proximity and configuration have an impact on the spaces created and these need to be considered when designing successful places for interaction. There are numerous opportunities which architects can use to their advantage to create spaces for interaction. Balconies, patios, roof gardens, atriums, courtyards and staircases can be turned into lively environments that encourage this interaction through activity, facilities and good architectural design.
This chapter has highlighted the destructive qualities that the built environment can have on both social interaction and well-being. To avoid Sick Building Syndrome careful selection of building finishes and materials, natural day lighting, natural ventilation, water features and planting must be considered. It is important that through good architectural design environments are created that enhance well-being. Perhaps more importantly the architect needs to create a healthy environment that is conducive to its primary purpose. Through the study of Biophilic attributes in architecture, architects are able to understand the positive impact these attributes have on the occupants and users well-being and they should therefore be considered in their designs.
CHAPTER FIVE: KEY PRECEDENT STUDY