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Architecture has much more to do with health than we may realize. The spaces we inhabit are not always designed with real people in mind, with convenience and cost effectiveness being prioritized. But studies show that the long-term impacts of prioritizing wellness while designing buildings and interior spaces can have a positive impact.
“The materials employed in construction directly impact our health, both short and long term, through potential toxicity,” architect Manuel Granja explains. “Acoustics within a building shape our concentration and communication. Access to views and natural light demonstrably affects our mental health, influencing anxiety and depression levels. Even seemingly minor architectural choices, such as the placement and visibility of a staircase, can subtly guide our movement, determining whether we opt for stairs or an elevator, and ultimately, how we navigate our daily lives.”
Manuel Granja is an experienced architect dedicated to crafting sustainable design solutions for fitness and wellness spaces, maximizing wellbeing and addressing the nation’s growing health crisis. He’s designed wellness spaces for global brands like CycleBar and Adidas, and is creating a new standard for fitness architecture. His experience designing around the world has allowed him to study what works for other cultures to prioritize health and fitness and bring that back to the U.S. As an Elected Director of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and Co-Chair of AIA Cincinnati of Urban Design Committee, he is influencing policy by advocating for wellness, such as infrastructure that supports active commuting.
“Many cultures integrate fitness seamlessly into their identity, lifestyle, and social fabric,” Manuel says. “Fitness facilities in these countries often prioritize social interaction and enjoyment, moving beyond a sole focus on athletic performance. They create inclusive environments that cater to diverse populations, fostering a sense of community and making physical activity a pleasurable part of everyday life. By shifting our perspective and creating more engaging and social fitness spaces, we can transform fitness from a chore into a celebrated aspect of American culture.” In practice, this means building spaces that make sense within the pre-existing culture while also aiming to improve it.
One thing Manuel sees as overlooked but potentially highly impactful is including shower facilities in commercial buildings. Shower facilities encourage physical activity integrated into the daily lives of busy Americans, promoting healthier lifestyles within the workplace and public spaces. He proposes establishing minimum shower requirements within building codes and evolving these codes to incorporate design solutions proactively addressing pressing health concerns such as hypertension and diabetes. Centering architectural design around tackling these issues will allow for public health to be at the forefront and build communities based on the long-term happiness of those that are a part of it.
For Manuel, he has experienced firsthand how exercise can positively transform a life. A passionate soccer player, he has been able to observe how environmental factors directly influence his own activity level. Plus, with soccer being such a popular sport around the globe, he has seen how other countries and communities’ activity levels are influenced by their own urban design and how those specific advantages and pitfalls can be learned from as we work collectively to foster healthy communities here in America.
Accessibility is a huge factor, and many in underserved communities are hindered by lack of access to spaces which support physicality. “A society populated by healthy, vibrant individuals fosters a positive and supportive environment, making it easier for everyone to achieve a fulfilling and happy life,” Manuel says. “My goal is to contribute to creating such a society through thoughtful architectural design.”
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This content is brought to you by Melissa Moraes.
Photo provided by the author.
