World Health Design Journal

World Health Design (WHD) is an influential online publication released quarterly, curated by a global team of architects, planners, and public health specialists. The journal is renowned for its focus on salutogenic design principles, which emphasize promoting health and wellness through various facets of architecture, design, art, and technology. These principles prioritize the enhancement of physical, mental, and social well being, ensuring that environments contribute positively to overall health.

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This project was fun to put together as this organization’s ethos revolves around the concept of Salutogenic design; creating environments that promote health and well-being by enhancing people's overall sense of coherence—a concept encompassing comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. Unlike traditional health architecture, which primarily seeks to reduce illness, salutogenic design emphasizes factors that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Key principles include:

• Connection to Nature: Access to natural light, plants, views of nature, and ventilation, which reduce stress and promote recovery.

• Sense of Safety and Comfort: Spaces that feel secure and calming, free from overwhelming noise or stress-inducing elements.

• Social Connection and Privacy Balance: Opportunities for social interaction alongside private areas, supporting community while respecting individual needs.

• Meaningful, Flexible Spaces: Environments that are adaptable to different activities, fostering a sense of purpose and engagement.

Applying these principles in health-focused buildings can lead to reduced recovery times, increased patient satisfaction, and a more supportive work environment for healthcare staff. These spaces make patients feel more in control, less stressed, and more engaged, promoting a healthier atmosphere overall.

In web design, salutogenic principles can create user experiences that reduce cognitive load, improve accessibility, and foster positive interactions. This can be achieved by:

• Natural Visuals and White Space: Utilizing soothing colors, clean layouts, and plenty of white space can reduce stress and create a calming interface.

• Clear Navigation and Information Hierarchy: Ensuring users can easily understand and navigate content promotes a sense of control and comfort.