Health-related research is a priority for architects in today's world

Human well-being has always been closely linked to architecture as a discipline. Architects have historically influenced the way people live, work, and thrive by designing buildings that provide shelter and creating public spaces that encourage community interaction. 

To address pressing health issues, architects must adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of global and local health challenges. As the world grapples with pandemics, climate change, urbanisation, and mental health crises, architects must focus on holistic, sustainable, and inclusive design approaches.

Urban centres worldwide have suffered the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, as overcrowded housing, inadequate ventilation, and a lack of open spaces have exacerbated its spread. A pandemic like this exposed the vulnerabilities of densely populated cities such as Dhaka, where millions live in crowded apartments. 

The lack of well-designed quarantine facilities, insufficient public health infrastructure, and inadequate mental health care further contributed to the crisis. To prioritise human health, architects must rethink urban planning, residential design, and public infrastructure.

Millions of premature deaths worldwide are attributed to polluted air. Architecture can play a significant role in mitigating such health risks. Green building technologies, enhanced natural ventilation, and thoughtful urban landscaping can help reduce urban heat islands and create healthier living environments. Cities like Singapore demonstrate how biophilic urban designs can improve air quality and combat air pollution.

Mental health is often overshadowed in architectural discourse. Research suggests that exposure to nature significantly reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. However, unplanned development is rapidly destroying urban greenery in Bangladeshi cities. 

Dhaka has only 8% green space, far below the World Health Organisation's recommendations. Urban planners and architects must advocate for and integrate nature-based solutions into their designs. Parks, green corridors, and rooftop gardens can provide substantial mental health benefits to residents.

Healthcare facility design is also crucial. Bangladeshi hospitals are often overcrowded and poorly ventilated, enabling infections to spread rapidly. Healthcare infrastructure needs to be adaptable and resilient, especially during pandemics.

Hospitals with infection-control-friendly designs, such as negative pressure isolation rooms and modular layouts, proved more effective in managing outbreaks globally. These lessons should guide architects in creating safe, comfortable, and health-orientated healthcare facilities.

It is equally imperative for architects to ensure the thermal comfort and productivity of workers, particularly in regions like Bangladesh, where extreme heat is becoming the norm. The country's ready-made garment (RMG) sector, which employs over four million workers, often subjects employees to poor indoor environments characterised by inadequate ventilation and excessive heat.

Research indicates that long-term exposure to high temperatures not only decreases productivity but also poses significant health risks, including heat stress and dehydration. By incorporating passive cooling strategies, energy-efficient systems, and better insulation, architects can enhance operational efficiency and worker health in factory environments.

The global trend toward sustainable design presents an opportunity to balance health and environmental needs. Buildings with net-zero energy consumption not only reduce carbon footprints but also promote healthier indoor environments. 

The WELL Building Standard, for instance, prioritises air quality, lighting, acoustics, and ergonomics. Applying similar principles, architects in Bangladesh can significantly improve the quality of life in both urban and rural areas.

A study by UNICEF found that inadequate school infrastructure in developing countries leads to high absenteeism and poor academic performance. Schools in Bangladesh often lack proper ventilation, natural light, and comfortable thermal conditions, which negatively affect students' concentration and learning. Designing child-friendly, inclusive spaces that prioritise ventilation, daylight, and thermal comfort can address these challenges.

Architectural research must also prioritise marginalised and vulnerable populations. A significant portion of Bangladesh's population lives in housing unprotected from climate extremes and diseases. Low-cost, disaster-resistant housing with improved sanitation can dramatically improve public health. Global examples, such as Aga Khan Award-winning projects, offer valuable lessons for Bangladeshi architects.

Given Bangladesh's vulnerability to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones, architectural solutions are essential for mitigating health impacts. Flood-resistant housing, cyclone shelters equipped with sanitation facilities, and adaptable public spaces can reduce health risks during and after disasters. To enhance community resilience, architects must collaborate with public health experts, engineers, and policymakers.

Addressing these health challenges requires a paradigm shift in architectural education and practice. Schools of architecture should emphasise health-focused research and training. Collaborative research initiatives involving public health and environmental scientists can help develop innovative, context-specific solutions. 

Building codes, urban planning guidelines, and development projects must incorporate health considerations. By prioritising health-related research, architects can tackle pressing issues such as air pollution, mental health, infectious diseases, and climate change.

Architects have a vital role in shaping public health, whether by designing green urban spaces, improving healthcare infrastructure, or creating thermally comfortable, disaster-resistant homes. As global and local contexts continue to evolve, architects must place health at the forefront of their design philosophy, ensuring a better, healthier future for all.

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Dr Sajal Chowdhury is an architect, educator at the Department of Architecture, CUET and researcher focusing on Environmental Experience Design, Architectural Science and Well-being.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.