As we prepare to head into 2025, it’s becoming undeniable that design has the power to not only shape spaces but create environments that enhance the lives of those who interact with them. People are deeply impacted by the built environment, and as the creators behind these spaces, every project – regardless of size, program or purpose – must consider mental health outcomes, now more than ever before.
We recently released results from our State of Community Facility Design survey, which highlights a growing trend: design is no longer just about aesthetics or functionality – it’s about creating spaces that promote wellness, safety and connection. The survey found an overwhelming 86% of Americans believe that mental health and wellness should be prioritized in the design of community buildings. This sentiment was even stronger in younger generations, with 91% of Gen Z and Millennials advocating for greater mental health consideration in the design process.
The demand for spaces that promote mental health and wellness is becoming a central theme in new facility designs. We asked our team of healthcare leaders across our offices in Colorado, Tennessee, Minnesota and Illinois to share three strategies and design principles that can help integrate mental health and wellness into buildings in 2025 and beyond:
Biophilic design and views of nature create healing environments
Biophilic design in healthcare facilities promotes a connection to nature, which has been shown to reduce stress and aid in recovery. Elements like indoor gardens, living walls or natural materials like wood and stone help create a soothing atmosphere for patients, families and care teams alike. While biophilic design integrates nature within the building, access to views of nature or the outdoors, whether through large windows or nature-inspired artwork, provides a sense of calm and promotes mental clarity. These calming environments not only aid in physical recovery but also promote emotional restoration, ultimately improving overall well-being and happiness.
Acoustic comfort for patient and care team well-being
Noise in healthcare settings, particularly in patient rooms or emergency areas, can significantly impact mental well-being. To mitigate this, designers focus on creating acoustically optimized environments that reduce stress and improve focus. This could include soundproofing patient rooms, implementing noise-reducing materials in corridors, adding designated quiet zones and considering on-stage/off-stage design to separate noisy, high-traffic areas from more serene spaces. A quieter, calmer environment is essential for both patients' recovery and care teams’ performance, especially in high-stress situations.
Respite areas to promote wellness
In high-stress healthcare environments, creating designated areas of respite is essential for the well-being of both patients and care teams. These spaces offer a quiet retreat, allowing individuals to step away from the intense energy of medical settings to recharge physically and mentally. Integrating calming features like soft lighting, comfortable seating and nature-inspired elements can make these areas more effective in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. By prioritizing respite areas, healthcare facilities can support recovery, reduce anxiety and burnout and improve overall satisfaction for both patients and care teams, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more restorative environment.
Wold is proud to be part of this shift in healthcare design, ensuring that patient care and care team experience are enhanced by environments that prioritize emotional well-being, accessibility and comfort.
Contact us today to learn more about how Wold’s healthcare team can help you elevate your organization’s spaces and better support patients and care teams through modern environments.