Designing for well-being: Environments that enhance thequality of life.

This article focuses on 2003 Business Week/Architectural Record Award for architecture. As CEOs increasingly think of the design of their company's buildings as a way to achieve strategic corporate goals, scientists are demonstrating that highly effective working environments don't happen by accident. Resulting from clearly articulated goals, good building design can significantly enhance the well-being and productivity of workers. Architects can fulfill this objective by creating environments that sustain occupants in the many positive ways evidenced by the winning designs. Many factors determined by the design of buildings, including exposure to nature and daylight, air quality, temperature, noise, ergonomics, and opportunities for social gathering, relaxation, and exercise affect occupants' performance and well-being.