Wold Architects and Engineers, a leading national firm specializing in education, healthcare, and government sector design, has announced the results of a comprehensive national survey examining the impact of building design on Americans’ mental health and well-being. Conducted by Wakefield Research, the survey underscores the significance of community facilities and the importance of prioritizing thoughtful building design to positively influence the long-term health and wellness of occupants and visitors.
“Building design has the power to shape communities and improve quality of life by creating spaces that support both functionality and well-being,” said Vaughn Dierks, CEO of Wold Architects and Engineers.
The Wold’s State of Community Facility Design survey aimed to better understand how public space design influences community well-being. The findings indicate that building design extends far beyond aesthetics, as respondents recognize the direct correlation between public environments and the health, safety, and sense of belonging of occupants.
Key findings from the survey include:
Mental health is a design priority, with 86% of Americans believing it should play a greater role in community building design. Younger generations (91% of Gen Z and Millennials) lead this charge.
Design influences engagement, as nearly 80% of Americans say community building design significantly impacts their likelihood of returning. This sentiment rises to 84% among city residents.
Functionality and wellness go hand-in-hand, with 90% of respondents desiring community buildings that integrate health, well-being, and functionality.
Wellness amenities are a plus, as 55% of participants prefer community buildings with amenities supporting well-being, such as cafés, green areas, and community gathering spaces.
The survey’s findings come at a pivotal moment, as public spaces continue to evolve and recognize the importance of design in enhancing occupants’ lives. Mental health has become a national priority, and its intersection with building design is an emerging area of focus.
Survey Methodology:
The State of Community Facility Design survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+ between October 23 and November 2, 2024, using an email invitation and online survey. The data was weighted to ensure accurate representation. The margin of error for this survey is ± 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
Image courtesy: woldae.com
