Salutogenic architecture

[edit] Origins and meaning

Salutogenic architecture is an approach to building design emphasising the creation of environments which promote physical, mental, and social well-being. The term salutogenic, the salutogenic approach or salutogenesis stems from the health science focus on health, as opposed to the focus on disease or pathogenesis. The word is made up of the Latin term 'salus' meaning health, and the Greek term 'genesis' meaning origin or beginning.

[edit] Applications in health

The term was first coined in 1979 by the medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky in his book Health, Stress and Coping. He developed a theory ( the salutogenic model) that suggested the way people view their life can have a positive or negative influence on their health. The theory stemmed from a study he carried out interviewing a number of Israeli women who had been in concentration camps during the Holocaust, trying to explain why some women had stayed in good health despite their horrific experiences, whist others had not (Antonovsky A, Maoz B, Dowty N, Wijsenbeek H. Twenty-five years later: A limited study of the sequelae of the concentration camp experience. Social Psychiatry. 1971).

Antonovsky became focussed on nature of stress agents, how they are managed and their impact on health. Central to his model were the concepts of the Sense of Coherence and the General Resistance Resources, amongst others.

Sense of Coherence describes the ability a person has to manage their resources to cope with the various stressors of life, and a way of viewing or perceiving life as being:

• Comprehensible: “The stimuli deriving from one’s internal and external environments in the course of living are structured, predictable and explicable”.
• Manageable: “The resources are available to one to meet the demands posed by the stimuli”.
• Meaningful: “These demands are challenges, worthy of investment and engagement”.

General Resistance Resources, differ in that they are '"the biological, material and psychosocial factors that make it easier for people to perceive life as understandable, structured and consistent.” for example money, knowledge and intelligence, experience, self-esteem, healthy behaviour, social support, ego / identity, commitment and cohesion with one’s cultural roots, cultural stability, ritualistic activities, religion and philosophy (e.g., stable set of answers to life’s perplexities), genetic factors and preventive health orientation.

[edit] Applications in architecture

The use applied to architecture and buildings is said to have stemmed from Professor Alan Dilani a global authority on interdisciplinary research regarding the interaction between design and health. He integrated the understanding of how specific environments can promote positive benefits in health and wellbeing to end users, such as staff and patients within a healthcare setting.

The principles of salutogenic architecture might include creating environments that are understandable, manageable, and meaningful to their occupants or according to the sense of coherence comprehensible, manageable and meaningful.

For example:

• Environments should be organised and predictable, with clear way-finding, logical spatial arrangements, and intuitive navigation.
• Spaces that provide users with a sense of control and the resources they need, including accessibility, flexibility, user-friendly interfaces such as adjustable lighting, ergonomic furniture, and adaptive layouts.
• Environments should resonate on a personal or cultural level, incorporating elements that might be emotionally and culturally significant, allowing personalisation of spaces, such as inclusion of art, and importantly a strong connection to nature (biophilia).
• The inclusion of natural elements such as maximising natural daylight and views to the outside, good ventilation and indoor air quality, air circulation and flow.
• The use of natural materials and the introduction of greenery to help reduce stress and improve mental health.
• Maintaining flexibility and adaptability of spaces to adjust to user needs, such as modular, reconfigurable design elements and multi-functional spaces.
• Fostering environments that are safe and comfortable, though the selection and use of materials, non-toxic low VOC etc.
• Considering thermal comfort both in terms of air temperature and surface temperature including potential drafts.

The types of buildings that may strictly focus on salutogenesis might be healthcare facilities, hospitals, clinics designed to reduce stress, promote healing, and facilitate positive interactions between patients, staff, and visitors. Workplaces that can enhance productivity, creativity, and well-being through ergonomic design, access to nature, and interaction.Or residential buildings that provide comfort, flexibility, and a connection to nature, supporting the physical and mental health of residents.

[edit] Conclusion

Salutogenic architecture is a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional design principles to focus on enhancing human health and well-being. By considering the psychological, social, and physical needs of occupants, this approach creates environments that support and enrich the lives of those who use them. The application of salutogenic principles can lead to more resilient, adaptive, and healthy communities, making it a vital consideration for future architectural practices.

The Journal of Salutogenic Architecture is an annual double-blind peer-review journal dedicated to focusing on the factors of human well-being in architecture, the relationship of salutogenic architecture with other theories and philosophies.

For further information visit Journal of Salutogenic Architecture

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