Health in the built environment
The term ‘health’ has evolved over time from referring simply to the body's ability to function, to include physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Health typically relates to the health of people, but it can also refer to the health of animals, an ecosystem, the economy, businesses and so on, describing in very general terms its condition.
In the built environment, health can refer to:
- The health of construction workers (typically grouped with safety as health and safety). For more information see: Health and safety.
- The health of other people employed in the construction industry.
- The economic health of the construction industry or businesses within it.
- The health of building occupants.
- Ecology and the environment.
The health of construction workers and building users includes issues such as:
- Sick building syndrome / building related illness.
- Health and safety.
- Comfort.
- Wellbeing.
- Mental health.
- Emergency services.
- Environmental health.
- Public health.
- Occupational health.
- Pollution.
- Nuisance.
- First aid.
- Emergency services.
- Biophilic design.
- Indoor air quality.
- Indoor environmental quality.
- Phobias.
- Heat stress.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Building Safety Act implementation in Wales
CIAT to host industry panel on 26 June.
New and updated CLC building safety guidance.
New UK National Buildings Database.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief explanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Comments
Health in the built environment is such an essential topic, and it's great to see it being addressed comprehensively here. The way our surroundings influence our well-being can't be underestimated, from air quality to access to natural light. Designing spaces with health in mind not only improves quality of life but also supports long-term sustainability. This is a vital read for anyone involved in creating healthier, more livable spaces. https://healthywz.com/