Architecting Health Through Healthy Built Environments (HBE)
By Akshay Khosla
With support from the NSERC Mobilize Applied Research Program, Humber Research and Innovation is working on three major research projects—New World of Work (NWOW), Aging in Community (ACER) and Healthy Built Environment (HBE). This article follows the journey of HBE research.
The aim of the HBE research is to identify the benefits and challenges of creating healthy built environments by analyzing literature to understand the current knowledge and research gap. Akshay Khosla and Prabhsimran Kaur, two new research assistants studying in Humber’s Research Analyst program, were hired to work on HBE. With educational backgrounds related to health—Akshay has a master’s in biotechnology while Prabhsimran specializes in pharmacy and medicine—both RAs were excited to work on a research project on the topic of the healthy built environment.
Due to the vast nature of the topic, another research assistant, Mya Slocombe, who was already working with Dr. Kimberley (Kim) Bergeon, a research specialist on HBE, was also brought on to the team.
“Research is like having a conversation with the unknown. Every question is like an open door, leading to new discoveries, and each answer is a step that moves the conversation ahead, revealing more about what we didn’t know before.”
—Akshay Khosla
Kim is the expert lead on this topic, as she has been working in the field for the past 20 years. Over the course of the research project, the research assistants learned that HBE is much more than an indoor ecosystem and design of indoor spaces which benefit the health of individuals living in such spaces.
“My experience as a research assistant in healthy built environments has been transformative. It fueled both personal and professional growth, shaping me into a more skilled and insightful researcher.”
—Prabhsimran Kaur
The research started with 12 major themes, which Kim came up with as a result of her extensive experience in the field.
Complete Communities
Complete communities and healthy built environments are intertwined concepts that prioritize accessibility, mixed-use development, and green spaces. By fostering connectivity and minimizing dependency on cars, they encourage active lifestyles and reduce environmental impact. Integrated residential, commercial, and recreational spaces create vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods where people can live, work, and engage with their community. Sustainability measures, including energy-efficient buildings and green infrastructure, contribute to improved air and water quality. Emphasizing safety and social interaction, these approaches aim to enhance overall well-being, creating places that support physical and mental health while promoting environmental stewardship (Louro et al., 2021).
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing and a healthy built environment shape communities where well-being thrives. Affordable housing ensures accessibility, preventing social disparities and fostering economic stability. When coupled with a health-focused built environment, it catalyzes positive living conditions. Well-designed spaces, parks, and recreational areas promote physical activity and mental wellness, regardless of income. Sustainable building practices, like energy efficiency, not only reduce living costs for residents but also contribute to a cleaner environment. These elements converge, creating neighbourhoods that prioritize affordability, health, and a sustainable lifestyle, ultimately supporting a diverse and thriving community fabric (De Scisciolo et al., 2018).
Architecture
Architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping a healthy built environment, influencing both physical and mental well-being. Thoughtful design can enhance natural light, ventilation, and spatial layouts, fostering a comfortable and positive atmosphere. Accessible and aesthetically pleasing spaces promote physical activity and encourage social interaction, contributing to a sense of community. Integrating green elements and sustainable features in architectural plans not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances the overall health of inhabitants. By prioritizing functionality, safety, and aesthetics, architecture becomes a cornerstone in creating environments that support and elevate the health and quality of life for those who inhabit them (Carnemolla et al., 2021).
Asset Management
Asset management and a healthy built environment are interconnected in optimizing the long-term well-being of physical spaces. Efficient asset management ensures the upkeep and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure, promoting a safe and functional environment. Investments in energy-efficient technologies, sustainable practices, and resilient structures contribute to both the longevity of assets and the overall health of inhabitants. By aligning financial strategies with health-focused building maintenance, asset managers can enhance occupant satisfaction, minimize environmental impact, and create spaces that support well-being. This synergy between asset management and healthy built environments leads to enduring, resilient, and people-centric spaces for both current and future generations (Moretti et al., 2021).
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design and a healthy built environment are intertwined, fostering a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature. By incorporating natural elements like greenery, sunlight, and water features into building design, biophilic principles create spaces that mimic the outdoors. This connection to nature has proven benefits, promoting mental well-being, reducing stress, and increasing productivity. Biophilic design also enhances air quality, fostering healthier indoor environments. The intentional integration of natural elements not only adds aesthetic value but contributes to a sustainable, human-centric approach, creating spaces that prioritize both physical and mental health, ultimately enriching the overall quality of life for occupants (Lei et al., 2021).
Construction Code
Construction codes play a pivotal role in shaping a healthy built environment by setting standards that prioritize safety, accessibility, and sustainability. These codes dictate the structural integrity of buildings, ensuring they withstand environmental pressures and provide secure spaces for occupants. Moreover, adherence to energy-efficient and environmentally friendly practices, often embedded in construction codes, directly impacts indoor air quality and environmental sustainability. By enforcing guidelines that promote proper ventilation, insulation, and material choices, construction codes contribute to creating spaces that support the well-being of inhabitants while minimizing environmental impact. Consequently, the synergy between construction codes and a healthy built environment establishes a foundation for safer, sustainable, and people-centric spaces (Chauvin et al., 2016).
Electric Vehicle Charging
The integration of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is a crucial element in promoting a healthy built environment. By facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles, buildings and communities contribute to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, promoting cleaner air quality. Accessible EV charging stations encourage sustainable transportation, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support environmental conservation. This transition to electric mobility aligns with the broader goal of creating eco-friendly spaces that prioritize public health. Consequently, the seamless incorporation of EV charging into built environments not only encourages sustainable practices but also fosters a cleaner, healthier atmosphere for both current and future generations (Luo and Qui, 2020).
Health Equity
Health equity and a healthy built environment are intertwined in fostering fair and inclusive access to well-being. A thoughtfully designed built environment addresses social determinants of health, ensuring that all communities, regardless of socio-economic factors, have access to safe housing, green spaces, and essential amenities. By prioritizing the equitable distribution of resources, urban planning can mitigate health disparities, creating environments that support physical and mental well-being for everyone. This commitment to health equity extends beyond infrastructure, acknowledging the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence public health. Ultimately, a healthy built environment strives to uplift marginalized communities, promoting equal opportunities and improving overall health outcomes (Dean et al., 2019).
Housing Efficiency
Housing efficiency and a healthy built environment are intricately linked, influencing residents’ well-being and environmental impact. Efficient housing design optimizes space, encourages sustainable practices, and minimizes energy consumption. Well-insulated structures and energy-efficient appliances not only reduce utility costs but also contribute to a healthier environment. Thoughtful layouts that prioritize natural light and ventilation enhance the overall living experience, promoting physical and mental health. Integrating eco-friendly materials further aligns housing efficiency with sustainable, healthy practices. In essence, the connection between housing efficiency and a healthy built environment lies in creating spaces that are not only resource-efficient but also supportive of the well-being of those who inhabit them (Lima et al., 2021).
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics and a healthy built environment converge to foster sustainability and energy efficiency. The integration of photovoltaic systems, harnessing solar power, contributes to cleaner energy and reduced carbon footprints. By incorporating solar panels into building designs, structures become more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly, aligning with a commitment to renewable energy sources. This not only lessens the environmental impact but also promotes energy resilience. Beyond the ecological benefits, the use of photovoltaics enhances indoor air quality and reduces pollution associated with traditional energy sources. The synergy between photovoltaics and a healthy built environment advances both environmental stewardship and the well-being of building occupants (Alonso-Marroquin and Qadir, 2023).
Smart Cities
Smart cities and a healthy built environment intertwine to create urban spaces that prioritize well-being and sustainability. The integration of technology in smart cities optimizes resource use, enhances mobility, and improves overall efficiency. Intelligent urban planning includes features such as real-time data monitoring, traffic management, and energy-efficient infrastructure. This connectivity not only streamlines daily life but also reduces environmental impact. By emphasizing green spaces, pedestrian-friendly designs, and accessible public amenities, smart cities promote physical activity and social engagement. Ultimately, the synergy between smart technologies and a health-focused built environment cultivates urban spaces that are not only efficient and technologically advanced but also conducive to the well-being of their residents (Ismagilova et al., 2019).
Social Financing
Social financing and a healthy built environment are intertwined through investments that prioritize community well-being. Funding directed towards health-focused infrastructure, such as accessible housing, green spaces, and recreational facilities, fosters environments that support physical and mental health. Socially responsible financing models can contribute to creating affordable and sustainable housing, reducing health disparities and promoting inclusivity. Moreover, investments in energy-efficient and eco-friendly initiatives enhance the overall quality of living, contributing to a cleaner environment. The intersection of social financing and a healthy built environment exemplifies a commitment to holistic community development, where financial support catalyzes positive health outcomes and cultivates thriving, resilient neighbourhoods (Ozili, 2021).
As with many research projects, a number of changes were made after the initial phase of the research was completed. After Mya had to join another research team because of greater familiarity with the topic, the research team added Chelsea Alasa-as as a new research assistant.
“My involvement in HBE showcased my passion for understanding the relationship between people and their living environments.”
—Chelsea Alasa-As
Over the course of the project, the research team narrowed down the 12 topics to four meaningful sub-topics. Based on these sub-topics, the research assistants started looking for organizations that were working on similar topics. Thanks to Kim’s expertise, the team decided on the following sub-topics:
Sustainable, Innovative, & Affordable Housing
- Affordability (e.g., developing, owning)
- Architecture Design- interior and exterior
- Construction practices and code
- Blockchain (Distributed Ledger Technologies) to address the challenges faced by the construction industry related to payment delays and regulatory compliance.
- Environmentally friendly and efficient (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions reduction, better air quality, and decreased utility bills)
- SMART technology
- User-centred design (e.g., hear the voices of people who live in affordable housing)
- Social financing principles and practices
Complete and Livable Communities
- SMART cities and the Internet of Things concepts and applications (e.g., use of technology)
- Asset management (e.g., Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping or other surveillance strategies such as Asset Reports)
- Sustainable construction projects (e.g., the use of Building Information Modelling)
- Health equity and inclusion
- Community infrastructure and architecture to support health, well-being, and injury prevention (e.g., prevention of falls and pedestrian/vehicle crashes) and promote physical activity, recreation, access to healthy foods and social engagement opportunities. Examples include “Play streets,” walkability, bikeability, public transit, car-sharing programs, public spaces, farmers’ markets, gardens, and food trees in parks and parks.
Climate Change & Extreme Weather
- Green infrastructure
- Building codes to ensure disaster resilience, health, security and safety.
- Adaptable construction design for extreme weather events (e.g., hot, cold, tornadoes)
- Building-integrated photovoltaic (e.g., rooftops, facades, shades, fences)
- Electric vehicles and charging station infrastructure.
Connecting to Nature
- Outdoor public spaces and buildings
- Indoor public spaces and buildings
- Biophilic design and principles
- Parks, green and blue spaces
Collaboration with industry and community partners is one of the key features of Humber’s research projects. Once the new topics were finalized, the research assistants started looking for organizations that were working on similar research areas.
The key points from this research have been put together in the form of an infographic poster, but that’s not all there is. This research is rather just the beginning of our journey to better understand the role of architecture and design in human health and biophilic design.
To sum up, this journey into the realm of healthy built environment was illuminating in many ways. From incorporating green spaces to choosing sustainable materials and planning cities wisely, there are myriad ways we can improve our well-being beyond just nourishment and exercise.
