PechaKucha: enhancing wellbeing in the built environment

Talk

Tuesday 10 May 2022
18:30 - 20:30

This PechaKucha highlights schemes that are prioritising wellbeing and make significant contributions to enhancing the mental wellbeing of the public.

Research over the last two years from NHS confederation have shown an increased strain on mental health services and proven deterioration in the public’s mental health. According to the office of national statistics, pre pandemic rates of depression in adults were 1 in 10, whereas in the summer of 2021 it changed to 1 in 6. This astronomical figure highlights a growing concern for society and one that the built environment has a duty in acknowledging.

Our built environment plays a crucial role as an area that can facilitate and enhance wellbeing as opposed to exasperating stress and health problems. With cities facing growing criticism as places that lack green space, clean air and community collaboration, London has had to prioritise the delivery of wellbeing in its buildings and public realm to combat this. Mental wellbeing comes from good quality buildings, access to others, green spaces and the built environment sector has a duty to provide this to its users. However, how exactly do we build wellbeing into all schemes? What does wellbeing look like in the city, when access to outdoor space is scarce? What materials and construction methods are best for our buildings and residents?

With it being mental health week, this event investigates an array of schemes that demonstrate best practice when designing for wellbeing and highlights the different ways we can build wellbeing into our cities.