Why nature in our spaces is good for our well-being – indoors & outdoors

We move around in a variety of spaces every day: our homes, streets, offices, while shopping, or engaging in leisure activities. Each of these spaces influences us—whether consciously or unconsciously.

When we are surrounded by nature in these places, it does us good. Mentally and physically. Whether in the garden, in the house with a view of the greenery, a bench under the trees as a respite from the bustling city, or through natural materials around us, such as wooden floors, eco-friendly paints on the walls, or stoneware instead of plastic on the table.

No wonder, because humans are part of nature, even if we often no longer experience this in our daily lives. We rarely indulge in nature and wait until vacation for a walk by the sea or a hike through the mountains.

It is invaluable for our well-being and that of the people for whom we are responsible if we allow more nature into our everyday lives and our surroundings.

Especially in urban environments, there is still great potential to make previously unused or sealed areas inviting and green, and to make interiors more pleasant. Whether in small gardens, paved outdoor areas such as those of commercial buildings or office complexes, or in the interiors of houses, offices, medical practices, or restaurants.

Every exterior and interior space with nature and natural elements is therefore:

• A place of regeneration and well-being. To relax, unwind, and breathe deeply.

• a place for community, to have another space where people can meet and interact

• an upgrade of the building and its interiors – both aesthetically and in terms of the quality of stay (in a business context also for customers and employees)

• Added value for nature through the creation of habitat, unsealing of surfaces and the creation of infiltration areas during heavy rainfall, as well as protection from heat through the cooling effect of plants

  
  

I am delighted to keep discovering places where architecture is already being designed with nature in mind. For the sustainability and well-being of the people who work and live here. But there is still a lot of potential. Or rather, a great deal of potential. Whether in new buildings, reconstructions, renovations, public buildings or public spaces. That is why I will continue to present projects here that show how much added value healthy architecture and a good atmosphere can bring. For inspiration and motivation.

Author: Maike Kristina Harich | Photo: Martine Vogel - Unsplash

Copyright by Maike Kristina Harich | ATELIER HARICH