An apple a day

The phrase "health and wellbeing" might bring to mind a rhyme about the doctor-dodging powers conferred by a daily apple. Yet these proverbial days are seemingly behind us, as health and wellbeing has become a frequently used term in the building industry instead. Client demand for quality office spaces, retail areas and homes that enhance human health and productivity is growing. The vision of health and wellbeing is to provide productive and comfortable environments for the building occupant over the long term; well-designed and operated environments should inspire positive lifestyle choices, resulting in healthier, more productive building users. Human health and wellbeing can be affected by many factors, and as building designers it is outside our remit to influence the diets and fitness of occupants.