Ambient Wellness: Building Health and Sustainability into Everyday Spaces
Integrating innovative materials and technology for a healthier and greener future
What is this about?
The concept of ambient wellness transforms how we think about buildings and public spaces. By incorporating advanced materials and technologies, we can improve health, well-being, and environmental sustainability in our everyday environments. From eco-friendly paints that absorb CO2 to self-healing concrete and interactive air purification installations, these innovations set new standards for wellness and sustainability-focused living and working spaces.
Why is it interesting?
This trend highlights a significant shift towards integrating health and sustainability into the very fabric of our physical environments. Innovations like CynoSkin's CO2-absorbent paint and self-healing concrete exemplify how our environments can actively participate in our wellness journey and safeguard our environment. The AirBubble installation at COP 26 transforms play into air purification while addressing environmental challenges and enhancing indoor and urban air quality.
Calls to action, such as The WELL Building Standard, challenge architects to prioritize human health and environmental sustainability. This standard has been awarded to buildings like Three Garden Road for its exceptional health-promoting features. This standard is driving commercial developers and companies to adapt spaces that not only attract tenants but also foster healthier lifestyles. With rigorous assessments on everything from air quality to food offerings, WELL-certified buildings are setting new benchmarks in the real estate industry, emphasizing that the health of a building’s occupants is integral to its design and operation.
The continued development of new standards and materials that prioritize our well-being and the environment exemplifies the future codes of Regeneration Nation and Wellthy Living by creating spaces that support ecological and human health.
So What?
Promoting health and sustainability doesn't have to be confined to healthcare and environmental sectors; it can be embedded into our daily surroundings.
The rise of ambient wellness solutions indicates a future where buildings and public spaces play a proactive role in enhancing health and sustainability. Innovations like CynoSkin's paint and self-healing concrete are setting new standards for how we can build and maintain our environments, contributing to a more sustainable and healthier future.
Just Imagine ...
A near future:
Where Apple develops an antibacterial coating for the iPhone that keeps users’ iPhones clean while actively reducing the spread of germs, contributing to better public health.
A mid future:
Where Honda develops a smart paint that changes color to optimize the car’s AC system. This paint adapts to external temperatures, shifting to darker shades in cold weather to absorb heat and lighter shades in warm weather to reflect sunlight, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort.
A far future:
Where grocery chain Lidl integrates smart shelves with air purifiers that release essential oils to improve shoppers' moods and reduce stress. These shelves detect foot traffic and adjust scents to create a calming experience. Additionally, adaptive lighting aligns with natural circadian rhythms to enhance well-being, and shopping carts are equipped with self-cleaning sanitizing handles.
Has this sparked a thought for you?
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