The importance of spaces in our physical and emotional well-being

In the 1st century BC, the Roman architect and engineer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio argued that architects required a solid foundation in medicine, alongside mastery of mathematics, history, philosophy, law, and music. He said that this interdisciplinary knowledge was essential to ensure that homes and cities fostered healthy lives, as spatial design directly influences physical and mental well-being.

It was not until the Industrial Revolution of 1760, however, that health and hygiene became central priorities in architecture and urban planning. The mass migration of rural populations to metropolises like London and Paris triggered widespread health crises stemming from pollution, overcrowding, and epidemics.

Photo by Charles Marville 

The subsequent rise of the British Sanitary Movement, the enactment of the Public Health Act of 1848, and Baron Haussmann’s extensive urban reforms in France (1853–1870) laid the groundwork for modern sanitary infrastructure.

These efforts introduced essential improvements, including updated aqueducts, expanded public spaces, and housing designs featuring better ventilation, lighting, and sanitation facilities.

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Photo by Thierry Bézecourt

Initially, these advancements remained exclusive to the bourgeoisie. It was not until the end of World War I, coinciding with the Spanish flu pandemic, that the majority of the population gained access to such basic infrastructure. During this period, architects seized the opportunity to integrate ideals driven by scientific and technological progress.

By prioritizing simplicity in design, they combated pathogens and developed critical infrastructure, such as improved sewage systems, clean water access, better kitchens, and increased green spaces, ultimately extending life expectancy for millions.

Today, despite significant progress in sanitation, mental well-being has emerged as the defining health challenge of the 21st century, marked by rising stress levels, higher suicide rates, and the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases. As urban populations grow and individuals spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, optimizing our built environments to support psychological and emotional health has become a critical necessity.

Photo by John Barr

Researchers such as Kurt Lewin and Roger Barker were pioneers in exploring how environments shape behavior, providing foundational insights into how context influences decision-making. Later, during the 1960s and 1970s, the environmental movement fueled research into the human-environment relationship, while studies on environmental stress revealed how noise, pollution, and overpopulation impact mental health.

This research evolved into architectural psychology, which examines how building design shapes human perception and behavior, and environmental psychology, which focuses on how urban designers can proactively enhance well-being through intentional design.
Creating spaces that prioritize natural light, greenery, and communal areas fosters social connection and reduces stress.

Design that emphasizes accessibility, sensory comfort, and perceived safety transforms everyday environments into supportive landscapes.

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Furthermore, incorporating elements that reflect cultural identity and personal preference strengthens an individual's sense of place and belonging.

In professional environments, these strategies are equally vital. Versatile layouts and adaptable furniture foster creativity and help break the monotony of the workday by optimizing the spatial experience. Providing a balance between interactive social areas and spaces for solitude allows individuals to choose environments that suit their specific needs and tasks.

Finally, integrating biophilic design, such as the therapeutic use of greenery, and creating accessible outdoor spaces play a crucial role in enhancing spatial quality. By examining the psychology of scale and the relationship between public space and mental health, we can better understand how the interaction between people and their built environment fundamentally shapes society.

Sources: Arch Daily, Neurotectura

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