Fenestration Strategies for Health and Wellness
Humans spend most of their day indoors, surrounded by the built environment. How this environment is designed can impact the quality of life. Ultimately, the human body works in tandem with nature and is influenced by natural light and ventilation. Therefore, the spatial design must focus on its users’ health and wellness.
In this reference, fenestration acts as an interface between the built environment and its surroundings. Designing it the right way can influence the quality of that space and affect the user’s health. We can look at each function that fenestration has to play individually and how it impacts our health.
- Light
Fenestrations are primarily designed as a source of natural light in built spaces. By regulating this light, one can attain umpteen benefits ranging from thermal comfort to reducing dependence on artificial light. For example, some fenestration technologies allow optimum natural light inside the building while shielding it from excessive and harmful rays. But, of course, this amount depends on various factors such as the building’s context, location and typology.
Physical health benefits of sunlight
Early morning sunlight is a source of Vitamin D, essential for enabling specific processes in the human body. Getting bright sunlight in the morning is also linked to a healthy circadian rhythm which dictates our body clock. Natural light also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. UV rays from the sun also have antibacterial properties, which are necessary to kill certain germs in the environment.
Sunlight and the human psyche
Numerous studies have identified linkages between mental health and bright, natural light exposure. For example, sunlight regulates the level of melatonin and boosts the level of serotonin in our bodies. Sunlight, thus, helps in reducing stress and fighting off depression.
2. Ventilation
Thoughtfully planned fenestration helps to optimise the ventilation required for a space. Window systems come in various solutions that allow users to regulate the openings per their needs.
Adequate ventilation for thermal comfort
Thermal comfort is one of our bodies’ first signs to recognise healthy environments. It is also necessary to regulate body temperature and induce a calm, relaxed atmosphere. A practical layout, openable windows and well-positioned fenestration systems allow for optimum thermal comfort.
Designing for healthy respiration
Apart from thermal comfort, adequate ventilation is also vital for healthy respiration. Conversely, poorly lit and ventilated spaces lead to damp, dim areas that promote Sick Building Syndrome. On the other hand, a well-lit and aired-out room often remains clean and fresh and provides a habitable environment for the user.
3. Views
Sound fenestration systems enhance the experience of space by capturing picturesque views of the surroundings. In addition, they create a positive association between the user and the building, promoting their physical and mental well-being.
Connectivity with the surroundings
Fenestration systems assist in establishing a visual connection with the neighbourhood while offering a physical separation from it. This connection with the outside provides a bigger foreground for our vision. It also helps create a reference of the space with its context and is often employed by architects to enhance the user’s experience.
Reducing claustrophobia
Spending endless hours inside a small space can make you feel claustrophobic. Fenestration systems offer respite by extending our scope of vision and bringing the outdoors inside. This change is essential to maintain a relaxed state of mind. In addition, well-placed windows give us a change of scenery and break the monotony of the interior space.
Apart from their functions for the built space, fenestration systems also significantly impact the user’s health and wellness. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the considerations mentioned earlier when designing holistic systems.
