Cheryse Damon, Interior Designer
As we approach the New Year, we start thinking about ways to better ourselves and our surroundings. Of course, that should also include where we typically spend most of our time – inside buildings. Construction has taken on a new approach to bettering our mental and environmental health and how technology plays a part in it.
Promoting Mental Well-being that Supports Productivity and Engagement
Designing buildings with mental health in mind affects the way we go about our day. Research shows that we spend 90% of our time inside a building, which can significantly impact our mood positively or negatively. Structures are being curated to include better quality of light, biophilic elements, calming spaces for relaxation, and a sense of home life. New construction is evolving in a way where we design efficient environments physically and emotionally. For instance, emotionally-driven designed buildings that utilize more natural sunlight reflect higher productivity amongst users and engagement with their work.
Improving the Environmental Impact and Creating New Jobs in the Process
When planning new construction, we are also becoming more mindful of its environmental impact. As a result, incorporating sustainability has become much easier to achieve and will continue to do so in the New Year. For example, LEED-certified buildings in the US consume 25% less energy and 11% less water, thus growing towards a zero net energy environment. Although this may cost more upfront, building operating costs have been reduced over time due to the sustainable materials being used. By 2030, worldwide energy efficiency measures could save up to $410 Billion and create close to 2.5 million new jobs in the construction market.
Leveraging New and More Technology for Greater Efficiency
- Using Simulation to “Try Before You Buy”
Technology is being incorporated into new construction for better ways to manage the efficiency of a building and increase productivity amongst its users. A Digital Twin Information System is a tool that is relatively new to the construction industry. This system allows you to have a digital replica of your building in real-time to monitor its efficiencies (or non-efficiencies) and test out certain things virtually before implementing them physically. For example, how cooling systems would cope with more people in the building.
2. Using Technology to Replicate Natural Surroundings and Manage Them More Effectively
There are additional building management systems that can also effectively control the amount of sunlight that enters your space throughout the day. Using motorized shades controlled by sensors can maximize the amount of daylight in a space while minimizing the amount of glare and heat. This will even connect to the light fixtures inside the building to create a balance of light overall. Other technologies include noise reduction elements, simulated lighting to mimic natural sunlight, and indoor air quality sensors, to name a few.
HF Planners is leading the way in new construction projects by using technology to build a healthier environment. With our practice of consciously sourcing sustainable materials, designing with the mind in mind, and our growing experience with the newest technology, improving construction is within reach. This will give all of us and the earth peace of mind in 2023 and the many years to come.