Wellness opportunities: Design for social change and sustainable futures

The current leading causes of death in the world are noncommunicable diseases, a disease that can be mitigated or reduced through the adoption of a healthier lifestyle. However, there is a lack of awareness on health and wellness and just how much of an impact it can have on an individual’s life. There is a strong need to expand the knowledge regarding the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle. Preventative care facilities are a key component to providing awareness and service in regards to the importance of health and wellness lifestyles. For this reason, this practicum focuses on the typology of a health and wellness centre and how enhancing the design of these centres through accessible, inclusive and active design strategies. Health and wellness centres are non-medical, multifunctioning facilities that promote physical, mental and social health. These centres, when designed correctly, have the potential to aid in economic growth of a community and improve sustainable health management. Our social environments are constantly changing and design must to be able to adapt to meet societal standards. It is crucial that the design of these spaces accommodate all users, regardless of gender identity, physical ability, age, culture or otherwise. In order to address these issues, this practicum will offer evidence-based design research, critical health and wellness theories and precedent studies to assist in developing new design strategies for the health and wellness centre model of the future. Designers have the opportunity to play a vital role in negating common issues that arise within health and wellness centres by designing and creating spaces to accommodate every type of individual. Designing accessible and inclusive environments that address these concerns will create a more comfortable and inviting space for all users. The design goals for this practicum include finding new, inventive strategies to create an environment that is accommodating for all