Designing for Health: How Salutogenic Spaces Empower Personal Transformation

In an increasingly chaotic world, the spaces we inhabit are more than mere containers for our daily routines — they are powerful tools for healing, growth, and change. This is the central idea behind salutogenic design, a human-centered approach to environments that aligns deeply with the Life Design Philosophy.

What Is Salutogenic Design?

Derived from the Latin salus (health) and Greek genesis (origin), salutogenic means "health-generating." In architecture and design, it refers to the creation of spaces that actively promote well-being — not just prevent disease.

Unlike traditional clinical design focused solely on function and sterility, salutogenic environments are emotionally and neurologically supportive. They engage our senses, soothe our nervous system, and offer conditions conducive to human flourishing.

This design philosophy was articulated by architect Tye Farrow, who champions "total health buildings" — spaces that not only support clinical recovery but proactively improve physical and mental health through light, nature, material choice, and layout (Sydney Morning Herald, 2015).

Why Environment Matters for Coaching and Change

When working with clients through the lens of Life Design Philosophy, inner transformation does not happen in isolation from environment. Physical surroundings — whether a home, workspace, or city — either support or hinder that evolution.

Salutogenic design enhances:

• Mental clarity, by reducing sensory overload

• Emotional regulation, through calming, biophilic (nature-infused) elements

• Motivation, by promoting movement and comfort

• A sense of coherence, a key idea from Aaron Antonovsky, which suggests people are healthier when they experience life as meaningful, manageable, and comprehensible

Key Features of Salutogenic Spaces

1. Natural Light and Biophilia Research shows that access to daylight and nature reduces stress, improves immune function, and enhances mood (Ulrich, 1984).

2. Acoustic and Visual Calm A reduction in noise pollution and visual clutter supports focus and emotional stability (Evans & McCoy, 1998).

3. Movement-Friendly Layouts Encouraging physical activity through walkable and inviting spaces enhances vitality and reduces anxiety (Pretty et al., 2005).

4. Community and Belonging Socially cohesive design improves emotional resilience, a foundation for transformational coaching.

Aligning Salutogenic Design with Life Design Philosophy

At the core of Life Design Philosophy lies the principle that environment and intention must align. Whether coaching clients to reshape their homes, routines, or goals, integrating salutogenic design provides a powerful structure to support their transformation.

Even small interventions — adding a plant, increasing light, or decluttering — can shift identity, energy, and progress.

Shape Our Environments With Intention

You don’t need a new building to benefit from salutogenic design.

Start by asking:

• Does this space support the person I want to become?

• How can I alter my environment to better support my mental and physical energy?

• What does my space reflect back to me — stress, or support?

When we shape our environments with intention, they become silent allies in the journey of transformation.

For more on how to use Life Design Philosophy and salutogenic design in your life, visit www.emmadikyova.eu.

References

• Farrow, T. (2015). Canadian architect Tye Farrow backs total health buildings. Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/canadian-architect-tye-farrow-backs-total-health-buildings-20150413-1mjnrf.html

• Ulrich, R.S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421.

• Evans, G. W., & McCoy, J. M. (1998). When buildings don’t work: The role of architecture in human health. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 18(1), 85–94.

• Pretty, J., Peacock, J., Sellens, M., & Griffin, M. (2005). The mental and physical health outcomes of green exercise. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 15(5), 319–337.

• Antonovsky, A. (1996). The salutogenic model as a theory to guide health promotion. Health Promotion International, 11(1), 11–18.