Why Functionality and Visual Appearance is always UP during design?? NOT HEALTH

Functionality of a building? Or the visual appearance? Or the mental and the physical interaction with space? What is the architectural purpose of a building? Are the buildings designed with the right purpose?
While architects have always focused on functionality and visual appearance during design, the issue of health (mental or physical) of the users of the building has been quite untouched during the design.
The work spaces, offices and many other places where a person spends most of its time, doesn’t put the human aspect above the design. Functionality and rigidity take over and thus, health is subdued. Very few workplaces consider this aspect, and it is a major issue in design that very few architects consider.
In the recent years, many statistics have shown that people aren’t happy with their work spaces and do not interact with the environment around and thus, face health related issues where, usually the mental state is compromised.
Roaming around in an IT office some time back what struck me was that I couldn’t and would never work in such a workspace. Space was cluttered and dull; cutting out people from the different shades of the day, change of time and any outside environment. Despite being a rich MNC office, which could be well designed and had a great potential, but the rigidity of and the clichéd corporate office designs was what denied the people from a healthier work environment.
The designers always have the solution, but when enough support isn’t offered, they go with the designs that have always been considered ’safe’.

Image credit: Flickr/[email protected]

Image credit: environments by miko

Image credit: environments by miko
The Interactive workspace designs, the health following function and form are what every place that is designed needs.
These places can consider various aspects and make the infrastructure whole lot healthier. While the inclusion of interactive sessions, and interiors and a casual environment is fast coming to the work culture, design inputs like natural light, designs that are without barriers and more connected, that reduce the hierarchy systems, are some details that can be looked into.
Materials that help in creating a healthier environment- wood, mud, gypsum, etc. Plastering and cement generate heat, thus making the buildings warmer. And most of the buildings use steel and glass, which is not healthy at all. These materials do not breathe, unlike brick or wood, and thus, create a nauseating environment, if stayed in that environment for a longer time.



While both the images above are offices/ workspaces, the difference is huge and the work environment and the layouts make a lot of difference. The choice of materials and the circulation has a December-may difference and thus, working in such different environments affects the health of a person in different ways.
The choice is always there, but the permission to choose usually becomes the client’s decision and thus the right approach sometimes suffer, which directly reflects on the health and thus, an urgency to follow heath over form.
Popular Tags :
Join our newsletter!
Enter your email to receive our latest newsletter.
Don't worry, we don't spam
Must Read

Urban Design Problems, Architects Should Address while Designing

How to Choose the Right Building Material for Your Project

Trends That Would Shape the Future of Architecture

10 Essentials Soft Skills Every Architect Must Have

8 Popular Construction Materials Shaping Modern Architectural Design

8 Out-of-the-Box Wall Panelling Materials for Extraordinary Interiors
Relevant Articles

Urban Design Problems, Architects Should Address while Designing
Architects should always be aware of the urban design problems that can happen when designing a cityscape, and learn how

How to Choose the Right Building Material for Your Project
Choosing the right building material for your project is a crucial decision. Use this guide to help you make an

Trends That Would Shape the Future of Architecture
What do you think is the future of architecture? Know the upcoming big trends driving it.

10 Essentials Soft Skills Every Architect Must Have
Soft skills are the key to success as an architect – learn about the ten essentials your career needs and

8 Popular Construction Materials Shaping Modern Architectural Design
There are many different types of building construction materials available today. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Read

Architect's Guide- How about Changing the Design due to Financial Crunch?
Wondering how to change your design due to financial constraints? Well, don't worry, because this guide has got you covered!
Most Viewed Articles

How different is Ancient and Modern Architecture
Renouned architect<strong> Frank Gehry</strong> rightly puts in his words which we all truly secretly believe- <strong>“Architecture should speak of its

10 Things Not to Do While Remodeling Your Kitchen
Are you planning to remodel your kitchen and not sure where to start from? Here we have listed out a

Top Things To Know Before Starting Architecture Programme
Architecture teaches you more than just those technical drawings of buildings. It teaches you life, a very different one. It

Challenges Faced By Architectural Education, Affecting The Profession
Every student faces an immense pressure of graduating high school with good grades. In almost all the professions the university

Architecture Student's Encounter with Reality
<blockquote> <strong>"Architecture has no money"</strong> <strong>"It is hard to get projects"</strong></p> <strong>"Explore as much as you

Purpose to make Architectural Drawings for an Architect
Architecture, as a field always is learned and meant to be the ‘Creator of the Space’ and for any place