Happy by Design: A Guide to Architecture and Mental Wellbeing

Ben Channon is an architect, author, TEDx speaker and mental wellbeing advocate, and is well known in the industry as a thought leader in designing for happiness and wellbeing. He is a Director at wellbeing design consultancy Ekkist, where he helps clients and design teams to create healthier places, and researches how buildings and urban design can impact how we feel.

Acknowledgements About the Author Introduction Chapter 1 Light Orient buildings sensitively Consider shadows Be selective about window sizes Avoid deep plans Use rooflights shrewdly Don't overlook artificial light Consider the temperature of artificial light Use artificial light to create pockets of calm Chapter 2 Comfort Use tactile materials Consider comfort as well as aesthetics Think about the temperature of buildings Ensure a good supply of fresh air Ventilation (new addition) Keep the noise out Chapter 3 Control Design adaptable spaces Give people better control over their environment Provide people with a range of environments Allow for personalisation Give people better control over their diets Give building users privacy Chapter 4 Nature Bring nature in Provide views of nature Put gardens on the roof Design gardens and parks as an escape from the urban Integrate or give views of water Improve ecology and biodiversity Use nature to educate, engage and involve Chapter 5 Aesthetics Use colour wisely Create moments of joy Avoid visual monotony Make buildings legible Celebrate the simple Get the proportions right Chapter 6 Activity Encourage activity Design-in spaces for exercise Design wider streets Design for the bicycle Connect to nearby facilities Don't overlook spaces for inactivity Chapter 7 Psychology Storage Provide high ceilings wherever possible Celebrate the entrance Go open-plan Bigger isn't always better Consider prospect and refuge theory Create an atmosphere Conclusions Notes + References Index