Architecture shapes mental health. PHOTO/FILE/COURTESY
Mental health has become a major concern in our day-to-day lives. What was once rarely discussed has now taken center stage in conversations about well-being, work performance, and quality of life.
As awareness of mental health grows, architects and designers are increasingly prioritising wellness in the built environment recognising that thoughtful design can reduce stress, foster healing, and enhance how we live, work, and relate with others. For many architects today, design goes beyond aesthetics and function. It is also about creating spaces that actively support and nurture the mental health of those who use them.
This shift is evident across a range of settings from homes and workplaces to hospitals, schools, and public spaces.
Designers are now intentionally incorporating strategies that reduce stress, promote relaxation, and encourage positive social interaction. The built environment is being recognised as a powerful influence on mood, behavior, and even recovery from illness.
As one expert on MedicalMedia.com put it, our environment is an extension of our mind it shapes how we think, feel, and behave. Backed by both research and real life experiences, the growing focus on mental health in architecture is hard to ignore.
According to Illustrarch.com, thoughtfully designed spaces, which maximise natural light, use calming colors, integrate nature, and encourage a sense of community can reduce anxiety, enhance creativity, and promote calm. Environmental psychology, which examines the relationship between people and their physical surroundings, provides useful insights that can inform architectural decisions.
By applying these insights, architects can create spaces that promote better mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Now that many of us spend nearly 90 percent of our time indoors, the role of architects and interior designers in shaping environments that support mental wellness has never been more critical even here in Uganda where urbanisation is on the rise. Key principles of wellness-focused architecture
Biophilic Design
In today’s fast paced urban life especially in urban, many of us spend most of our time indoors with limited access to outdoors and nature. Biophilic architectural design, which involves integrating natural elements into built environments, offers a practical solution by bringing nature closer to where we live and work.
Chrissy Ethel Namono, an architect and CEO of Iconic Hedges Group, says biophilic design enhances well being by creating calming atmospheres that reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
“Exposure to nature, whether through indoor plants, greenery views, or water bodies can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve cognitive function,” Namono explains.
Biophilic design concepts are concepts applicable to both residential and public spaces, including offices.
Adding plants such as the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) in your home or office not only beautifies the space but also purifies indoor air. According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, this plant is effective in removing air pollutants, improving respiratory health, and increasing indoor humidity, which is helpful for skin and breathing. A lavender pot plant is also another one. Ideal for bedrooms, lavender is known for its calming scent. It reduces anxiety and promotes restful sleep, it is perfect for winding down after a long day.
Natural light
Natural light exposure is another essential component of biophilic design. Sunlight supports our body’s natural circadian rhythms, boosts our overall mood, and fosters a sense of connection to the outside world. It also enhances the body’s production of vitamin D, which is linked to improved mood and reduced risks of depression and obesity. Furthermore, natural light has been shown to enhance sleep, focus, and productivity.
Unfortunately, many poorly designed buildings and residential tend to be cramped, with few windows and little light coming through, increasing the risk of stress, low mood, and fatigue. “Buildings should have large windows and skylights to allow in sufficient natural light,” Namono advises.
“Use sheer curtains, and place furniture in a way that does not block out sunlight. This applies both at home and in workspaces.” In urban spaces, nature-inspired artwork or the use of natural materials like wood and stone can help evoke the same calming effects. In summary, spaces that incorporate biophilic design principles such as greenery, sunlight, and organic materials can significantly reduce stress improve cognitive function and promote overall wellness.
Spatial considerations
Namono notes that the way spaces are organised also plays a big role in how people feel and behave. “When buildings and rooms are designed with human proportions in mind like ceiling height, doorway width, and furniture size they are more comfortable and easier to navigate,” she says.
Spaces that are too cramped or confusing to navigate can increase stress and discomfort. In contrast, well-organised spaces with clear paths, open areas, and quiet retreat zones can improve mood, boost cognitive function, and promote peace of mind. For example, open layouts promote interaction and community, while smaller private areas allow solitude and quiet. In Uganda’s extended-family settings or busy urban homes, this balance is crucial. People need space to socialise, but also corners where they can retreat and rest. Transitional areas like vestibules or alcoves, ease the shift between public and private zones. A vestibule, often seen in bank entrances and other public buildings, acts as a buffer, which helps people adjust as they move from outdoors to indoors. This helps reduce anxiety and sensory overload, especially in noisy urban areas.
Community and connection
Human beings are social by nature. Architecture can either support or hinder this aspect. Research shows that communal spaces such as shaded verandas, shared gardens, or lounges encourage bonding and a sense of belonging. In Uganda, compound spaces, traditional homesteads, and community markets have always played this role. Architects can borrow from such cultural traditions to create modern spaces that remain deeply communal. At the same time, providing quiet areas for reflection or privacy is just as important, especially for people dealing with stress or burnout. “In urban residential settings, especially high rise or gated communities, incorporating spaces where neighbors can interact like shared gardens or rooftop lounges this can mirror Uganda’s village-based social culture,” Namono recommends.
Movement accessibility and inclusion
Spaces that promote gentle movement such as visible easily accessible staircases, walkways, and pathways are good for both physical and mental health. Movement improves circulation, boosts mood, and reduces the risk of depression. She adds that intuitive layouts where it is easy to figure out where to go help reduce confusion and promote confidence. "People should not feel lost when walking in the building, good design should guide people naturally without the need for too many signs or instructions,” she says.
