We often think of architecture in terms of beauty, function, or innovation—but what if architecture could help you heal?

I’ve spent most of my adult life thinking about how the spaces we occupy impact us for better or worse. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how deeply our surroundings affect us, and the healing that certain places and experiences in the built environment have brought me throughout some of the hardest, and most wonderful, times of my life. Spaces can drain us—or breathe life into us, elicit a fear response—or help soothe our nerves, and welcome us into shared experience—or exacerbate a sense of isolation. It’s not just about clean lines or cozy corners; it’s about how a room feels, how it holds us in moments of rest, creativity, joy, or even grief.

This Month's Highlight: The Role of Design in Creating Health

That’s why I was so moved by my recent conversation with architect and changemaker, Tye Farrow on the podcast. I’ve had the honor and privilege of knowing Tye for over a decade through his groundbreaking work to advance architecture for health and healing, and I’ve seen his thinking of portfolio only become more insightful and unique in that time.

Now, he has distilled that hard-earned knowledge and experience into a book we can all enjoy and learn from — Constructing Health: How the Built Environment Enhances Your Mind’s Health. Constructing Health is centered around the idea of salutogenic design - from Latin "salus" (health) and the Greek "genesis" (origin), exploring how architects and designers can cause health and well-being rather than just avoid disease. Tye blends architecture, neuroscience, psychology, and emotion to shift our perspective from “how can design do no harm?” to “how can design help create health?”

His passion reminds me that every design choice is an opportunity to care for others. To create something that not only serves—but restores.

🎧 Listen to "Designing Health: How Architecture Shapes Our Well-Being with Tye Farrow” on Apple Podcast and Spotify

"*What if health was the basis for judging every public space and every building? What if we stopped tolerating designs that cause boredom, disease, and depression?"*
— **Tye Farrow**

Key Insights from My Conversation with Tye Farrow

Architecture Can Heal: The spaces we inhabit are not neutral; they can actively promote mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Shift from Pathogenic to Salutogenic Thinking: Move beyond designs that prevent harm and embrace those that foster vitality, connection, and growth.
Generosity in Design: Thoughtful design choices—like adding benches or creating open spaces—can transform how we engage with our environment.
The Power of Sensory Experience: Environments that engage sight, sound, touch, and smell enhance mood, productivity, and overall well-being.
Designing for Connection: Spaces should nurture relationships between people and the places they occupy, fostering emotional health and belonging.

Tye’s work challenges us to rethink architecture as a catalyst for health and healing—reminding us that every space has the potential to elevate our lives.

Spotlight: Loneliness and Social Support Networks

A recent survey by Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) highlights the growing prevalence of loneliness in America and its impact on health. The findings reveal that nearly half of U.S. adults report feeling lonely at least some of the time, with social support networks playing a crucial role in mitigating these feelings.

Key Takeaways from the Survey

Loneliness Is Widespread: 47% of adults report feeling lonely at least some of the time.
Social Isolation’s Health Impact: Loneliness is linked to poor cognitive, mental, and physical health outcomes, including higher risks of depression and premature death.
The Role of Community Spaces: Public spaces designed for connection—parks, libraries, and community centers—can help combat loneliness by fostering interaction and belonging.
Disparities in Social Support: Marginalized groups often face greater barriers to building support networks due to systemic inequities.

Read the full article here: Loneliness and Social Support Networks: Findings from the KFF Survey of Racism, Discrimination and Health 

Actionable Design Tip: Small Changes for Big Impact

Inspired by Tye’s insights and the KFF survey? Here are three small ways you can enhance your environment today:

Add Greenery: Plants improve air quality, reduce stress, and create inviting spaces for connection.
Create Pause Points: Add seating or gathering areas in your home or workplace to encourage interaction.
Incorporate Natural Light: Bright spaces boost mood and productivity while fostering a sense of openness.
Use natural materials: Natural materials like wood to support a sense of warmth and welcome as compared to steel, glass, and concrete in many of our buildings.

Looking Ahead

Next up on the podcast: I’ll be speaking with Cody Goldberg about creating spaces where all individuals, regardless of their background or abilities, can play, connect, and thrive together. Stay tuned for “Playgrounds for All: Building Connections, Not Just Spaces with Cody Goldberg,” premiering May 6th!

Until then, take a moment to reflect on how your surroundings impact your well-being—what small changes can you make today to create spaces that nurture connection, beauty, and health? Whether you’re an architect, a teacher arranging your classroom, or someone curating your tiny corner of the world—I hope you’re encouraged. Because the way we shape our spaces shapes us too.

Stay curious and connected,
Erin

Beyond Beauty: Architecture That Heals