Architectural designs can enhance health and happiness if executed correctly. This is very important as increased happiness could have many benefits, such as improved productivity, better learning and a higher quality of life. Many aspects of architecture can impact the level of health and happiness in a building, such as exterior design, interior design and atmospheric considerations.

Sustainable building designs are now at the forefront of architecture, meaning that more energy is being directed towards issues such as reducing emissions and waste. We cannot build a sustainable future without meeting the needs of people when it comes to creating buildings that evoke strong levels of happiness and promote health.
The way architects design buildings is constantly evolving, as they try new ways to enforce good health and happiness throughout their designs. This article will explore how architectural design can promote health and happiness when incorporating different design elements.
Types of Architectural Designs
Natural Light
Modern architecture is very focused on natural lighting. Having more access to natural light is very important in promoting a healthy lifestyle and ensuring the wellbeing of everyone that will inhabit a building. For example, workers who have more natural light exposure suffer 84% less health complications and productivity is also boosted by 40%.
The circadian rhythm can be better managed with more exposure to sunlight while indoors. This is our biological clock that regulates several aspects of our life, such as sleep, hormones and other psychological aspects. When completing an architectural project, you should always look to incorporate more natural lighting if you want to boost happiness and improve mood. You can do this by adding more windows to your building design.
Air Quality
Household air pollution is a real dilemma that architects are looking to crack down on by improving air quality inside their buildings. There are now more ventilation options than ever before, which has greatly benefitted not only the architectural industry but also the people who are inhabiting these buildings. Having a space where people can breathe easily will improve the overall health of everyone.
Having good air quality in a building can help remove pollutants like allergens, dust and bad chemicals. It can also reduce mould, as it can remove moisture. Having more openable windows, installing air filters and creating more open spaces can help to improve air quality and occupant health.
Temperature Control
A comfortable temperature in a building is considered to be between 18 to 24 degrees and it’s when inhabitants are considered to be the healthiest. Having temperatures that are over 24 degrees can result in higher levels of fatigue, headaches and heatstroke. Whereas, temperatures too low can cause respiratory problems.
Having sufficient insulation will ensure that heat is kept in during the colder months and kept out during the summer. Single-glazed windows and doors can lead to heat being lost inside of a home so these should be kept to a minimum. If you don’t have faith in the architectural integrity of your home or work, there are ways you can control temperature and comfort levels in other ways like using furniture choices like thermal sofa cushion covers.
Noise Reduction
Noise can cause unhappiness and drastically alter mood to the point where health is also affected. Having too much noise is considered to be an international health concern, as it is regarded as a form of environmental pollution. Modern architecture has been prioritising noise reduction in buildings to create a much more enjoyable and pleasant environment.
The irritation of hearing unwanted noises through walls can easily be avoided with efficient architectural practices. Soundproofing methods like using acoustic panels, absorbent materials or thicker walls can help reduce noise inside a building. This can be particularly useful for office buildings that need some quieter areas away from the noise.
Biophilic Elements
Including more nature in building design can be a very sustainable architectural solution. Having a visual connection between the interior and exterior through biophilic design can be a great look, but can also bring many benefits regarding health and happiness. Especially if we spend most of our time indoors, having more natural elements inside with us can make us feel that we are still in touch with the outside world.
Using plants in a home or office can improve mood, reduce stress levels and increase productivity so it has become integral to architectural designs. This doesn’t even have to be real plants, as fake plants can still evoke the same effects and emotions with much less general maintenance.