Designing Mindful Spaces: Seven Concepts that Support Mental Wellbeing

The concept of “Wellness” has become prevalent across various markets and is frequently used as a marketing strategy. However, it is crucial to recognize the need for genuinely addressing our health and mental well-being on all fronts.

According to a study funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, [1] where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations" [2].

Concerns about the potential impact of our indoor air quality are raised in this study, such as: “Indoor concentrations of some pollutants have increased in recent decades due to such factors as energy-efficient building construction (when it lacks sufficient mechanical ventilation to ensure adequate air exchange) and increased use of synthetic building materials, furnishings, personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners. The effects of some indoor air pollutants on human health have also been well established (“e.g., studies on radon, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, Legionella bacterium”). Still, the study noted that the scientific understanding of some indoor air quality issues continues to evolve. Health effects associated with indoor air pollutants include:

• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
• Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue
• Respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer

Happiness is an essential state of mind that is frequently underestimated when it comes to emotions. The statistics on depression are one of the reasons why happiness is an important factor to consider in designing a space. Depression is prevalent among one in ten Americans and almost one in five adolescents and young adults, as noted in a recent report conducted at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and City University of New York. [3]

As a driver, happiness and a more positive outlook can lead to improvements in most scenarios – enhanced productivity in the workplace, academic achievements of students, and overall quality of life for everyone. This chain reaction reaches far and wide, influencing the economy through heightened consumer spending and business growth, among many other areas.

“Although the bond between interior design and our emotions has gained much attention in the last decade, this form of environmental psychology exists for thousands of years now – the Indian Vastu Shastra, the Chinese Feng Shui, etc. Because of the rise of neuroscience, scientists are doing plenty of research on this topic and finding the most incredible results. They have shown the ability of interior design elements to evoke a positive or negative emotional response in people. These findings open the door to design spaces that consciously manipulate decorative elements with the goal of encouraging creativity, peace, and happiness.”

Lighting can affect our moods and emotions and is essential in regulating our circadian rhythms, the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Properly designed lighting can help to synchronize our internal clock with the outside world and promote better sleep and overall health.

Light can also have an impact on our mental health. Poorly lit spaces can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety, while well-lit areas can positively affect our mood and overall well-being. Bright, warm light is often associated with evoking positive emotions, while cool lighting may have the ability to do the exact opposite. A well-lit space or windows that let in natural light can help people feel more awake and alert, thus improving productivity and focus.

Feeling physically comfortable in a space generally results in a decrease in tension and anxiety. Comfortable furniture, ambient temperature, and adequate ventilation all contribute to a pleasant environment. Designing for optimal well-being can improve focus and concentration since people are less likely to be distracted by physical discomfort or environmental factors that may detract their attention. For example, ergonomic furniture can help to prevent physical strain and injury, while proper lighting can reduce eye strain and headaches.

Designing a space that gives people some control over their environment allows them to feel confident, relaxed, and in control of their surroundings. For example, setting up thermostat zones can improve employee or patient experiences in an office by allowing for microenvironments that account for the comfort levels of different people.

Furniture selections can also significantly affect our mental and physical health. Standing desks are an excellent addition to workstations as they can improve posture, circulation, and comfort as people can sit or stand. Studies have also linked these flexible workstations to cancer prevention since excessive sitting can raise our risk of multiple cancer types. Offering a range of seating types and places to sit and work isn't just a matter of comfort, but more importantly, health.

One of the design trends that environmental psychologist Stephani Robson has been examining for over a decade is how hospitality spaces can help alleviate anxiety. ArchDaily published, “In her 2008 study, she found that people who were more anxious chose to sit next to walls, corners, or partitions, giving the individual a sense of control over the environment. Robson has seen an increase in intimate, partitioned, and quiet spaces in restaurants and hotel lobbies, as a result of external factors” [5].

Exposure to natural elements such as greenery, natural light, and water is known to help reduce stress levels and mental fatigue. Research has shown that spending time in nature or even looking at images of nature can have a calming effect on the mind and body, improving mood and emotional well-being. Spending time outdoors has been shown to boost positive emotions, reduce negative feelings, and improve overall life satisfaction. Similar studies further emphasize the value time outdoors can have on stimulating creativity, enhancing cognitive function, helping to restore attention, and improving focus. Biophilic design is an evolving movement that addresses the need for human connection to nature by incorporating elements like natural light, greenery, Earth color palettes, and art inspired by nature into indoor spaces.

In a study published by the National Library of Medicine titled “Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence” [6], reference to the “biophilia hypothesis” states that “…humans have evolved with nature to have an affinity for nature” [7]. Building on this concept, two major theories—Attention Restoration Theory and Stress Reduction Theory—have provided insight into the mechanisms through which spending time in nature might affect human health.” For example, “The Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) describes how spending time in nature might influence feelings or emotions by activating the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce stress and autonomic arousal because of people’s innate connection to the natural world” [8,9].

The way a space is perceived can have a significant impact on mental well-being. Elements such as color, lighting, and layout can affect how people feel psychologically in an area and influence their behavior.

Design can be influential in creating a more inviting space and in offering solutions for social challenges. One example of the importance of understanding the psychology behind the design is our work with our client Superette, specifically on their second shop in Toronto's Summerhill neighborhood. We collaborated with their design team to take their playful and lighthearted concept to the next level, elevate the overall customer journey, and further destigmatize the cannabis shopping experience. Design choices like creating an entry experience merchandised with quirky faux "Superette" brand products allowed us to adhere to the sight-line regulations blocking views into the shop while making a playfully branded moment. Other purposeful design choices include baskets at the entrance that offer customers a color choice indicating the degree of help they’d prefer or are comfortable with, allowing the customer to drive their shopping experience their way, as well as a "flower" wall where customers can smell the various strains available for sale through votives integrated with the faux flowers that truly tap into our humanistic senses.