Happy by Design: A Guide to Architecture and Mental Wellbeing

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Unappealing views or privacy concerns in urban areas can mean you need to keep your curtains closed or blinds down all day long, and some people may have pets or children to keep safe.

Podcast appearances: Savills Real Estate Insights Podcast, The Business of Architecture Podcast (coming soon), Bodyshot Performance Podcast, 28Hands ‘Changing Construction As We Know It’ Podcast (coming soon), PropCast. We all have the right to homes and workplaces that keep us healthy, support our mental health and help us to thrive – both now and for many generations to come. However, from this experience, Ben realised that mental health issues are universal and that anyone can find themselves struggling. From the paint color that’s been named the happiest to the science of getting a good night’s sleep, Happy by Design offers bite-sized and affordable design ideas that are accessible to all—from a young renter in an urban apartment to a busy family in their own home.Happy by Design reveals how architecture and design can make us happy and support mental health, and explain/show poor design can have the opposite effect. As Mental Health Ambassador and senior architect at London architectural practice Assael, Channon’s relationship with mental wellbeing in design is both personal and professional. With delightful illustrations and photos on every page, the program is easy to follow and packed with motivating tips and inspiration to help everyone live the happiest life possible.

A recent report by Airtopia awarded our Balham development, The Tramyard, an A rating for indoor air quality. When designing buildings, it is therefore extremely important to consider how you can improve both the quantity and quality of daylight, internally and within landscaping. The result is ‘Happy by Design’, which I hope will widen the debate around mental wellbeing in the built environment and help us all understand that we have control over our immediate surroundings and can make changes that will better our sense of wellbeing.

Ben is a passionate advocate of improving mental health within architecture, and has worked hard to change the working culture and practices in the industry, both in the UK and abroad. Drawing on advice from experts far and wide, Victoria Harrison’s Happy Home Program helps everyone transform their living spaces and put personal wellbeing first in their homes and neighborhoods.