Healthy buildings becoming a key design priority for both architects and building owners

Almost three out of four of U.S. architects say the health impacts of buildings are influencing their design decisions, according to a survey by Dodge Data & Analytics in partnership with Delos and the Canada Green Building Council, and with assistance from the American Institute of Architects. 

Two-thirds of building owners surveyed also said that health considerations affect how they design and construct buildings. Sixty-nine percent of owners who measure employee satisfaction and engagement reported improvement in both attributes due to their healthier building investments. These findings are included in the report, “The Drive Toward Healthier Buildings 2016.”

According to the report, the top five healthier building features implemented by architects include:

• Better lighting/daylighting exposure

• Products that enhance thermal comfort

• Spaces that enhance social interaction

• Enhanced air quality

• Products that enhance acoustical comfort

Use of nearly all of these is expected to grow considerably, along with pioneering approaches like the use of biophilic design features, spaces that enhance tenant mood, and opportunities for physical activity, the report found.