The Wellbeing Prize at the annual NLA Awards celebrates how the quality of air, water, light, and comfort have been considered, to aid the mental and physical health of the people who occupy the building. 

In this year’s shortlist seven projects were acknowledged for their focus on creating healthy spaces for occupiers. It was great to see that the submissions tackled range of different types of spaces, with wellbeing considered in each. Courtyards, schools, and hospitals all feature in the successful projects showing a great effort in maximising comfort for different spaces. 

With 2020 exaggerating the indoor generation, it is more important than ever to celebrate spaces that aid mental and physical wellbeing. COVID-19 lead to an unprecedented time for all, and mental and physical health is a key agenda. Ensuring buildings across London share the considerations of those shortlisted is essential for residents, and should not be a luxury, but a necessity. Ventilation, space standards and access to public realm should be described as the basic requirement for every scheme and these shortlisted projects exceed this minimum. 

As NLA celebrates its 10th year of the Awards, it is important to recognise the developments in wellbeing over this period. The scientific evidence has shown the importance of ensuring the air quality in buildings are of a high standard. Coughs, headaches, and longer-term health effects have been linked to exposure of polluted, poor air quality and this is now being recognised. Over the last 10 years scientific evidence and case studies detailing these effects have built a very strong case for this to become a top priority for the nation. With a working from home population, the amount of time spent inside homes has more than tripled and the possible exposure to air pollutants has grown. 

All seven projects shortlisted have contributed to creating a healthy space for people to thrive in. These safe havens will be appreciated now more than ever, as a healthy space to escape. Airflow are hopeful that over the next 10 years of NLA Awards that wellbeing is prioritised in every project.