Design for Wellbeing: How Interior Architecture Impacts Mental Health?

Table of contents

• What is Interior Architecture? 
• What is the difference between Interior Architecture, Interior Design and Architecture?
• Key Elements in Interior Architecture 
• How Do Interior Design Elements Influence Our Mind?
• How can interior design help you express yourself?
• How Interior Architecture and Design Help the Community? 
• What is the role of an Interior Architect?
• A Checklist to Enhancing User Experience
• Promoting Wellbeing Through Interior Architecture and Design
• Sustainable Design
• Human Psychology
• Future of Interior Architecture towards promoting Well Being

 

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt alive? Or the exact opposite? It’s no coincidence—it's the power of interior spaces. Think about it: colours, lighting, textures, the decor, even the furniture—all play a significant role in shaping our experience of a space. They are more than just walls and a roof. They are silent storytellers, shaping our moods, influencing our behaviours and ultimately, reflecting who we are.  

What is Interior Architecture? 

Interior architecture is essentially the art and science of shaping the "interiority" of a space. It goes beyond aesthetics, delving into the structural and functional aspects too. When interior design meets architecture, interior architecture emerges. It focuses not only on the decorative elements but is also concerned with the overall structure of a building. 

In contrast to an interior designer who primarily focuses on enhancing and beautifying a space, an interior architect addresses various aspects such as layout planning, surface finishes, furniture, and lighting. 

What is the difference between Interior Architecture, Interior Design and Architecture? 

All three disciplines—architecture, interior architecture and interior design—deal with creating spaces, but they differ in terms of the depth and mechanisms of design interventions. To understand the career opportunities in each of these disciplines, firstly you need to understand how they differ. Listed below are key differences between interior design, interior architecture and architecture for your ease of understanding: 

Here's a breakdown of the unique identities of these creative careers!

Aspect	Interior Architecture	Interior Design	Architecture
Focus	Interior space functionality	Aesthetic appeal	Building design and function
Scope	Spatial layout, materials	Furnishings, colour schemes	Building design, inside & out
Role	Interior structure & tech.	Decor and aesthetics	Overall building design
Required Degree	Interior architecture degree	Interior design degree	Architecture degree
Design Approach	Integrates structure, systems	Focuses on decor elements	Conceptualises building design
Collaboration	Works with architects, engineers	Collaborates with architects, clients	Works with engineers, clients
Professional Requirements	Knowledge of building codes, standards	Knowledge of design principles	Extensive knowledge of construction

Key Elements in Interior Architecture 

Layout Planning

Interior architects effectively cater to the needs of the occupants of a particular space. This involves consideration of circulation, furniture placement, and the intended area analysis.

Material Finishes

Materials chosen for walls, floors, ceilings, and other surfaces are not merely based on aesthetic appeal but also functionality, thermal comfort, and human psychology.

Furniture

Overlooking the scale, proportion, and style of furniture to ensure that it complements the overall design scheme while fulfilling the functional requirements of the space.

Lighting

Lighting schemes enhance the ambiance, highlight architectural features, and provide adequate illumination for various tasks. Interior architects plan the placement and types of lighting fixtures to achieve the desired atmosphere and functionality within the space.

How Do Interior Design Elements Influence Our Mind?

Our homes, workplaces, and the public spaces we inhabit can have a profound impact on our well-being. Every element of interior space, from the colour palette to the layout, plays a role in shaping our psychological state.

Role of Colour in Interior Spaces

Consider the impact of colour. Warm colours like reds and oranges can create feelings of energy and excitement, while cool colours like blues and greens have a calming effect.

• Warm Colours (Reds, Oranges, Yellows): These colours evoke feelings of energy, excitement, and warmth. They are ideal for spaces where creativity and interaction are encouraged, such as brainstorming rooms or common areas. However, overuse can lead to feelings of restlessness and overwhelm.
• Cool Colors (Blues, Greens): Cool colours promote feelings of calmness, peace, and focus. They are perfect for relaxation areas, libraries, and study spaces. Too much cool colour, however, can create a sterile or even isolating atmosphere.
• Neutrals (Whites, Greys, Beiges): Neutral colours provide a sense of balance and can be used as a backdrop for bolder accents. They are versatile and can be adapted to various moods depending on the chosen shade and the accompanying design elements.

Impact of Lighting in an Interior Space

Light is much more than just a way to see. It plays a significant role in regulating our sleep patterns and energy levels. Natural light exposure has been linked to improved mood, cognitive function, and even reduced symptoms of depression. 

Interior architects use light strategically to create desired effects:

• Natural Light: Maximising natural light exposure through large windows and skylights is a top priority. Natural light not only promotes well-being but also reduces reliance on artificial lighting, creating a more sustainable interior. A brilliant example is that of Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, it plays with the indoor-outdoor relationship and merges the natural light as a true essence of their exhibits.

• Task Lighting: Task lighting, such as desk lamps or under-cabinet lights, provides focused illumination for specific activities, reducing eye strain and promoting concentration. Generally, museums tend to use task lighting to display their exhibits. A few examples are of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Modern Art.

• Mood Lighting: Dimmable lights, strategically placed lamps, and warm colour temperatures can create a more relaxing and intimate atmosphere in living spaces and restaurants.

Role of Interior Architecture

The physical layout of a space can subtly influence how we move through it and interact with others:

• Open Floor Plans: Open floor plans encourage collaboration and interaction, making them ideal for co-working and creative spaces. However, they can also be distracting and lack privacy.
• Defined Zones: Creating designated areas for work, relaxation, and socialising within a larger space provides a sense of structure and allows people to choose the environment that best suits their needs. Social in Hauz Khas utilises distinct zones to separate the crowd while simultaneously creating a feeling of enclosure.





• Circulation: Thoughtful circulation ensures smooth movement within a space, preventing congestion and frustration. This is especially important in high-traffic areas like lobbies and hallways.

How can interior design help you express yourself?

Our homes and workplaces become extensions of ourselves. The way we choose to decorate and personalise them speaks volumes about who we are and what we value. Here's how interior design choices can reflect our identity:

• A Passion for Creativity: A home filled with an artist's paintings, a musician's instruments, or a writer's overflowing bookshelves speaks to the resident's creative spirit and passions. A great example is that of Sabyasachi’s Flagship store in Mumbai. The interiors are just opulent. The beauty, the designs, the elegance, and the grandeur encapsulate Sabyasachi's true essence as a designer.

• A Love for Travel: Souvenirs from around the world displayed on shelves, or travel posters adorning the walls, hint at the homeowner's adventurous spirit and wanderlust. 
• A Focus on Functionality: Minimalist interiors with clean lines and uncluttered spaces might reflect the residents' preference for organisation and efficiency. Zaura Boutique in Ahmedabad by R+R Architects personifies minimalism. The grand yet minimalist approach of interior architecture speaks volumes in terms of functionality.

How Interior Architecture and Design Help the Community? 

Interior architecture goes beyond just aesthetics; it can be a powerful tool for shaping human interaction and fostering a sense of community and belonging. Here's how:

Designing for Interaction: By creating shared spaces

• Open Floor Plans: Open floor plans, common in co-working spaces, break down physical barriers. This encourages chance encounters, casual conversations, and collaboration by making it easier for people to bump into each other and exchange ideas. Tin Tin Restaurant in Chandigarh by RENESA Architecture Design Interiors Studio seamlessly integrates interior spaces with outdoor seating through its choice of materials and strong connection to nature.

• Communal Areas: Creating dedicated communal areas like lounges, game rooms, or break rooms provides a space for people to gather informally, socialise, and build connections outside of their immediate work groups. WeWork offices across various locations foster a sense of community through their interior architecture.
• Flexible Furniture: Using furniture that can be easily rearranged allows for spaces to adapt to different activities and group sizes. This fosters impromptu meetings, team huddles, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Cultivating a Sense of Place: Fostering a sense of identity

• Local References: Incorporating elements that reflect the local history, culture, or materials creates a space that feels unique and specific. This fosters a sense of shared identity and community pride among users. Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage incorporates traditional Goan references, wooden elements, and arches to evoke a sense of local community.

• Public Art & Shared Stories: Integrating artwork by local artists or displaying historical photographs can spark conversations and connect people to the space's story. This creates a sense of shared experience and belonging.
• Biophilic Design: Bringing nature indoors through plants, natural light, and water features creates a calming and inviting atmosphere. This can reduce stress, improve well-being, and encourage people to linger and connect with the space and each other. The Wyndham Clubhouse in Vietnam, designed by MIA Design Studio, skillfully integrates nature, materials, and natural light, resulting in a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere.

Designing for Inclusivity and a Sense of Ownership

• Universal Design: Ensuring accessibility for people with diverse abilities through ramps, wider doorways, and clear signage shows that everyone is welcome and valued. This fosters a sense of belonging for a wider range of users.
• Community Involvement: Involving the community in the design process, through surveys or workshops, allows people to feel invested in the space. This fosters a sense of ownership and encourages them to take pride in and care for their shared environment.
  By considering these aspects, interior architects can create spaces that go beyond mere function and become catalysts for community building and a strong sense of belonging.

What is the role of an Interior Architect?

Interior architecture shapes the functionality and aesthetics of a space, achieved through a collaborative design process that translates ideas into reality. Here, the role of an interior architect comes into play. It involves designing and creating functional spaces while keeping aesthetics in mind. 

Design Conceptualisation

Interior architects are responsible for conceptualising design ideas that align with the client's vision, functional requirements, and aesthetic preferences.

Spatial Planning

They analyse and segregate spaces within a structure according to the functional needs of the occupants, ensuring optimal utilisation of available space.

Use of Software Tools

Interior architects utilise various computer-aided design (CAD) software and tools such as AutoCAD, Rhino, and SketchUp to develop and present design concepts effectively.

Documentation and Technical Expertise

They prepare detailed architectural drawings and specifications, ensuring compliance with state and local building regulations and obtaining necessary approvals.

Material Specification

They collaborate with clients and other stakeholders to select appropriate materials, finishes, and furnishings that align with the design concept, budget, and sustainability goals.

Lair a.k.a the Black Concrete by Studio Renesa brings forward a unique approach to materiality and colours. Utilising a combination of black and grey concrete juxtaposed with reflective surfaces, the design disrupts any sense of monotony within the space.

A Checklist to Enhancing User Experience

There are various ways in which an interior architect can enhance user experience. This is usually done by:

1. User Research and Analysis
   By conducting thorough research to understand the demographics, lifestyle, and preferences of the users who will inhabit the space. This may involve surveys, interviews, and observations to gather insights into users' behaviours, habits, and requirements.


2. Needs Assessment
   Analysing the gathered data to identify the primary needs of the users. This includes functional requirements such as space utilisation, storage needs, lighting, acoustics, and circulation, as well as emotional needs such as comfort, safety, and well-being.





3. Wants and Preferences
   Understanding aesthetic preferences, cultural influences, and individual tastes to create spaces that resonate with the intended users.


4. Activity Analysis and Mapping
   

   

   Analysing the activities that will take place within the space to inform the design process. The specific tasks and functions that users will engage in, as well as the frequency and duration of these activities, help in determining spatial layouts, furniture arrangements, and circulation paths that support efficient and comfortable use of the space.


5. Human-Centric Design Designing spaces that are intuitive, accessible, and inclusive, ensures that users of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can navigate and utilise the space comfortably.


6. Sensory Considerations
   Considering sensory experiences such as sound, texture, scent, and temperature. By addressing these sensory elements, they create immersive and engaging environments that evoke positive emotions and enhance the overall user experience. Trianglo Lounge Bar by Maden Group embraces a sensory journey through its thoughtfully curated design elements and plays with various textures and patterns, all while providing a sense of connect to nature.





7. Flexibility and Adaptability
   Designing spaces that are flexible and adaptable to accommodate changing requirements. This may involve incorporating modular furniture, flexible layouts, and multifunctional spaces that can easily be reconfigured to support different activities and usage scenarios.

   

   OmniRooms by Mute offers modular rooms with limitless adaptability, allowing swift reconfiguration for ever-evolving office needs. It ensures seamless transitions between work, meet, lounge, and support areas, fostering a dynamic and future-ready workspace. This provides design flexibility in terms of interiors while providing the utmost comfort.

Promoting Wellbeing Through Interior Architecture and Design

1. Maximising Natural Light
   Prioritising incorporating ample natural light into spaces whenever possible. Natural light  not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also has numerous health benefits. Exposure to natural light helps improve mood, enhances productivity, and reduces the risk of eye strain and headaches. Design elements such as large windows, skylights, light wells, and light-coloured surfaces are utilised to maximise the natural light into interior spaces.

   

   Makao Workshop in France infuses the workspace with ample natural light, fostering a bright and energising environment to boost productivity and creativity. It prioritises the well-being and comfort of its users, enhancing their overall work experience.


2. Creating Comfortable and Ergonomic Environments
   Prioritising creating comfortable and ergonomic environments that support the physical health and well-being of occupants. Additionally, considering factors such as acoustics, thermal comfort, and air quality to ensure a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.


3. Promoting Social Interaction and Community
   Designing spaces that facilitate social interaction and community engagement, as human connection is essential for overall well-being. 

   

   Nokha Village Community Centre by Sanjay Puri uses curvilinear elements and slopes to create community-led gardens. It beautifully uses jaali patterns and perforations to allow natural light inside for the overall well-being of the users.


4. Prioritising Safety and Security
   Prioritising the safety and security of occupants by incorporating design features such as adequate lighting, clear wayfinding signage, secure entryways, and emergency evacuation routes.

Sustainable Design

The growing importance of sustainable practices in interior architecture reflects a broader societal shift towards environmental consciousness and responsible design. Sustainable interior architecture encompasses various principles and strategies aimed at minimising environmental impact, conserving resources, and promoting healthier indoor environments. 

An adaptive reuse project “Baradari” by Studio Lotus seamlessly merges modernity and heritage. Taking a step towards sustainability, designers transformed the neglected space into a fine-dining haven while preserving centuries-old masonry and architectural elements. Their innovative approach pays homage to traditional arts and crafts, creating a harmonious fusion of past and present.

Human Psychology

Human psychology plays a significant role in interior architecture, influencing the design choices, spatial arrangements, and overall ambience of a space. Interior architects understand various aspects of human behaviour, perception, and emotional responses to create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and conducive to well-being. 

Designers analyse human behaviour to ensure spatial layouts are intuitive and functional, fostering a seamless interaction between the residents and their environment. Moreover, by tapping into the profound impact of design on emotional well-being, interior architects curate environments that promote positivity and reduce stress, utilising cultural influences and personalization to ensure spaces resonate with their inhabitants. Through principles such as biophilic design and careful consideration of proportions and scale, designers forge connections to nature and craft atmospheres that not only accommodate but elevate the human experience, ultimately reflecting the intricate interplay between psychology and the built environment.

Future of Interior Architecture towards promoting Well Being

Designing spaces that cater to human experiences and emotions can create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and enriching. A truly successful interior design goes beyond just looking good. Interior architects play a crucial role in shaping the ‘bones’ of a space. By understanding how psychology interacts with space, architects can create environments that truly work for the people who inhabit them.

 

Interior design psychology delves into the connection between our physical surroundings and our mental state. Whether it's a home that fosters creativity and relaxation or an office that promotes focus and collaboration, interior design psychology is a powerful tool to elevate our everyday experiences. The future of design lies in understanding the intricate connection between humans and their environments.

It is important to move away from generic and commercialised designs and instead focus on promoting creativity and innovation to craft spaces that truly value the human experience.

Learn More About Interior Architecture

- Thinking about a career in interior design? This article lists all the cool jobs you could land with an interior architecture and design degree! 
- Ever wondered what the difference is between interior design and interior architecture? This article breaks it down for you! 
- Want to design spaces that are both stylish AND comfy? This article explains why ergonomics matters in interior architecture and design!
- Classic, modern, or a mix of both? Understand different interior design styles to inspire your next project! Explore Traditional, Modern, and Transitional Interior Architecture Design