Health

Design a healthier built environment

By using evidence-based approaches, architects and design professionals can reduce pollutants that harm public health, promote physical activity that lowers the risk of chronic diseases, alleviate anxiety and stress, improve emotional well-being, and much more.

Check out these AIA resources to learn about the physical, mental, and emotional effects a building has on its occupants and the surrounding community.

Select better materials

Considering the toxicity of the materials and finishes you use can have a measurably positive impact on the health of the people interacting with the building. Explore these resources to better understand the impact of the materials you specify.

• AIA Materials Pledge: Architects and designers can help improve the health of the planet and people by giving careful thought to how they evaluate products and finishes. AIA developed the Architecture & Design Materials Pledge to inspire a positive shift in materials specification.
• Healthier Materials Protocol: This guide provides clear, practical methods and tools to navigate materials selection and translate awareness to practice. Discover how your firm can support critical goals including improving indoor air quality and reducing construction waste.
• ROI: Healthier, More Productive Occupants: This chapter of the ROI of High-Performance Design includes talking points to use with clients, civic leaders, vendors, and others.
• Design for Well-being: Part of the Framework for Design Excellence, design for well-being accounts for physical, mental, and emotional effects on people and communities.