It almost feels like magic to visit a built project once you have lived through it from a drawing board stage. As architects and designers, we are blessed to experience this feeling every now and then. While on a surface level, there are many tangible facets that one can see and experience, such as walls, floors, windows, and doors, there are multiple intangible and invisible aspects of design that can have a profound impact on both wellness and cost-efficiency if done correctly.
It almost feels like a stringent professional ethic to value and incorporate wellness and cost-efficient design decisions in all that we do – whether tangible or not:
Building orientation & the location of windows: Harnessing natural forces
Multiple design decisions are taken by an architect from the very first scribbles on a plot. Probably the most crucial one is orientation – not just for believers of geopathic sciences, but also for overall well-being. Tracking the sun path and wind direction may seem like a small detail, especially for a smaller project, but its effects on the occupant’s experience and the building’s long-term energy efficiency cannot be overstated.
The subtle angle of the building, how the windows align with the sun’s movement, and how they interact with prevailing winds can dictate everything from natural lighting and ventilation to heating and cooling costs. This is where the invisible force of “passive design” enters. A well-orientated building doesn’t need to fight against nature; it works with it, harnessing its strengths to reduce energy consumption and enhance the comfort of its users.
Acoustic design: The unseen impact of sound
Another invisible design element is the acoustics of a space. While the sound of a building may not be a tangible, physical element like a wall or floor, it profoundly impacts our experience. The quality of sound, how it travels through spaces, and the level of noise pollution both inside and outside a building are all major factors that influence the comfort of its inhabitants.
Take the example of an open-plan office. While the visual aesthetics may be sleek and modern, the absence of thoughtful acoustic design can result in a cacophony of voices, ringing phones, and the clatter of keyboards. Even in residential spaces, the placement of insulation, the use of sound-absorbing materials, and the attention to detail in room acoustics can drastically improve the quality of life for the occupants. No one notices the silence when it’s working, but it becomes glaringly obvious when it’s absent.
Thermal comfort & insulation: Keeping temperature in check
Thermal comfort is another invisible element that impacts both the wellness of the building’s inhabitants and its overall energy efficiency. Insulation materials, the choice of glazing, and the design of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems all work in tandem to regulate temperature without the need for visible heating or cooling devices. The idea of a “thermally comfortable” building is often overlooked, as it’s not always something one can see or touch.
Yet, without it, a building can become a battleground between the weather outside and the systems inside. Poorly insulated walls or roofs lead to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, forcing occupants to rely more on artificial heating and cooling, thus increasing energy costs. Additionally, temperature fluctuations can lead to discomfort, reduced productivity, or even health issues, such as colds or respiratory problems. The invisible action of insulation quietly shields the building’s occupants from these extremes, providing a sense of stability and control that contributes to a feeling of well-being. This is yet another area where design decisions, although often hidden from view, directly affect how a space performs on a day-to-day basis.
Air quality & ventilation: Breathing life into a space
Perhaps one of the most invisible design elements is the building’s air quality and ventilation system. Poor indoor air quality has a profound impact on the health of a building’s occupants, from allergies and respiratory problems to cognitive performance and overall energy levels. However, the systems that control air quality—HVAC, filtration, humidity control—often go unnoticed unless they fail.
From the use of low-emitting materials to incorporating effective ventilation strategies like natural cross-ventilation, architects are responsible for creating environments that encourage the flow of clean air while minimising the presence of indoor pollutants. Thoughtful placement of air vents, strategically positioned windows, and the inclusion of green spaces and plants all serve the invisible purpose of maintaining optimal air quality, which in turn promotes health, productivity, and comfort.
Emotional and psychological impact of space design: The intangible power of layout
Lastly, let us not forget the invisible power of how space makes people feel. While lighting, acoustics, and air quality contribute to the physical and physiological aspects of well-being, the psychological effect of design is often underestimated. The layout, proportions, and flow of a space are all invisible elements that have a powerful impact on how individuals interact with their environment.
A narrow hallway or poorly proportioned room can subconsciously make people feel confined, while a spacious, open-plan layout can encourage a sense of freedom and connection. The psychological impact of a space can affect mood, mental health, and even social interactions. This invisible quality of design is often the difference between a space that feels “right” and one that feels off-kilter or uncomfortable. By considering how people interact with and feel in a space, architects can elevate a simple building into a place that fosters positivity, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Designing what can’t be seen
The invisible elements of design are often the most powerful. Whether it’s the orientation of a building, the quality of its acoustics, the warmth of its thermal comfort, the purity of its air, or the intangible feeling of its space, these invisible factors are critical to creating buildings that are not only functional but truly enhance the well-being of their occupants.
As architects & engineers, it is our responsibility to recognize the profound effect these hidden aspects have on both the short- and long-term success of a building. In doing so, we ensure that our designs are not only aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound but also supportive of the physical, emotional, and psychological health of those who experience them. Design, at its best, is both seen and felt, but often, the most significant impacts are the ones we can’t see at all.
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Source: ME Construction News
