When we think about commercial buildings, we first capture images of huge skyscrapers, office complexes, and retail spaces. These buildings often have the main purpose of functionality, whether to be used as office spaces or living spaces.
But we have forgotten that these are the places where we, humans, spend a lot of time as well, so we need to focus on the idea of humanist design, which is the concept of creating spaces that take into account people’s well-being, comfort, and emotional needs.
Let’s check out some of the main roles of humanist design and why this is so important nowadays.
What is the problem with only functional design?
Of course, functionality is one of the main purposes of commercial buildings, as without it, it doesn’t make sense to build them and use them. Whether it is an office, a restaurant, or a store, functionality is important, but if it is the only distinctive feature, then the whole building becomes quite lifeless and dehumanized.
People here feel isolated, unmotivated, and unconnected, which results in overall dissatisfaction and poor experience. Humans are not robots, and they have their own feelings and opinions, so humanist design is what sets apart their living and working spaces, making them more comfortable for their well-being and mental health.
What about humanist design?
As we have said, humanist design is what makes buildings more attractive, motivating, and fulfilling, as the focus is on human feelings and thoughts. To come up with such a structure, an experienced commercial architect should come up with a great and functional plan, covering everything from the layout, lighting, materials, and colors used in the process of construction.
They will design such spaces with empathy and comfort in mind, so they will come up with places that can enhance people’s quality of life and work satisfaction.
Buildings have the power to influence our emotions, thoughts, and senses, so they should be designed in a way that prioritizes comfort and mental and emotional health, as well as being welcoming, warm, and comfortable.
People’s well-being
Even though most businesses look only at their profit margins, you should not be like them. Just making sure that your business is doing what it is supposed to do on the surface will not bode well for the people that work there or the businesses’ future.
You must ensure that your employees work in an environment that is best suited for their well-being so that they can do their jobs without too many problems. All in all, you must put them at the top of your priorities and then the rest.
You may think that people who work for you are disposable, and that they can be changed with others; that may be the case in some instances, but many times you won’t be able to change people adequately, and that can be problematic for the future of your company.
Also, if there is no loyalty and honor within the relationship of the employer and his or her employees, then the work won’t be done as effectively as it should.
Better customer experience
When used as working spaces and offices, buildings in humanist design can do wonders for improving customer experience and enhancing people’s feelings the moment they step in. When designers focus on comfort, aesthetics, and emotional connection, it does great things for creating spaces that feel welcoming and warm to spend time in.
A retail store with warm and well-designed lighting can make customers feel comfortable, and in restaurants, it can make people enjoy their time together while trying out some delicious meals. This encourages more visits and makes customers come back many times, which reflects positively on the business and creates a loyal customer base.
Stimulating creativity
Every company needs to have creative employees within their ranks if they want to see great improvement. Usually, there should be many people that can help your company rise in the market, but they are not able to express it, potentially because of one of many reasons.
One of them certainly is because their surroundings are so against their human side that they can hardly think, let alone innovate. If you want to bring to your company what is best for it, then you need to let your people thrive in the best possible environment. Spend some of your budget on them, and most certainly, you will see a lot of good in return.
Connection to nature
Humanist design is often closely connected to nature and sustainability, which makes it more eco-friendly and comfortable for people around.
In such constructions, architects and designers usually use natural materials, energy-efficient systems, and other sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impacts and create a space that will feel friendly to nature and the planet.
The best thing about such places is that they bring a sense of peace, comfort, and better mood, and also, people feel more harmonious and connected to the natural world.
Improve the mood in the company
One very important thing that your company must address if they want to improve in the right way is that they make sure that the mood in the company is good and that people like being there. Of course, work is work, and most people do not like to go to their company to work, but that does not mean that they have to feel like they are being tortured.
You need to think about the employees when you are designing your company. Make sure that many things will make it easier for them to spend the time working there, and that they can socialize with others. The more you add to your business in regard to this, the better the overall atmosphere will be, and that can lead only to positives in the future.
Every company must have a look at its employees and make sure that they feel right while they are at their job. Many things can be done to the design of your business, which will improve the atmosphere and health of your employees, and all of these things will only bring more to the company itself in the long run.
Leave a Comment