Salutogenic Design FAQ
Q: WHERE DOES SALUTOGENIC DESIGN COME FROM?
A: In the late 1970s, Aaron Antonovsky introduced the concept of "salutogenesis" to the medical field by focusing on adding factors that supported human health (as opposed to simply subtracting factors that cause disease, which had been the standard practice of care up until then). This shifted the paradigm in our approach to medicine. Applied to architecture and the built environment -- first by Alan Dilani, in the late 1990s -- salutogenic design is a strategy that adds factors demonstrated to improve inhabitant well-being into the design of places.
Q: HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE THE WORD "SALUTOGENIC"?
A: "sah-loo-toe-JEN-ick"
Q: WHAT'S THE FORMAL DEFINITION OF SALUTOGENIC DESIGN?
A: Salutogenic design is the evidence-based design strategy to improve human health and well-being in the built environment. It is an effective strategy, often presented as a framework, for applying neuroarchitecture, which is the interdisciplinary field at the intersection of architecture and neuroscience.
Q: CAN YOU APPLY SALUTOGENIC DESIGN TO A SINGLE ROOM, OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE AN ENTIRE BUILDING?
A: Salutogenic design is about making deliberate design decisions by adding elements that are demonstrated (by peer-reviewed studies, industrial psychology, formal pilots/precedents, etc.) to improve occupant well-being. A whole-building/organization strategy will be the most holistically effective, but dramatic results can be just as readily achieved in individual, closet-sized rooms using minimal intervention.
For more information, including expert lectures on salutogenic design and trainings, please visit the Consulting page.
Q: CAN I JUST ADD SOME COLOR OR A POTTED PLANT TO MAKE MY OFFICE LOOK NICE? HOW DO YOU DESIGN A BUILDING TO BE SALUTOGENIC?
A: No, this is what separates an "evidence-based" design strategy from simply designing for "preference" (which is valid in its own right, but primarily in personal spaces!). The fundamental premise of salutogenic design is to create healthy environments that support a sense of coherence (SOC). This is achieved by designing for three specific factors: comprehensibility, meaningfulness, and manageability. How we can most effectively address these factors has been determined by a robust collection of peer-reviewed studies; for more information, please visit the Concepts page or Consulting page.
Q: WHAT'S THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND SALUTOGENIC DESIGN?
Q: IS SALUTOGENIC DESIGN ONLY FOR HEALTHCARE?
A: No, though it's a common association due to its origins (the root word "salutogenesis" is from the medical sector --- salut even meaning health in Latin) and seminal research within healthcare environments. With the health and well-being of occupants as their #1 priority, the healthcare sector was first to adopt a salutogenic design model. Schools were next, with a focus on primary and secondary education, now followed by corporate offices and the federal government. However, salutogenic design is a critical design strategy in any environment where people spend extended periods of time or are working on important tasks. Integrating salutogenic design principles into space architecture, to support longterm off-Earth living (e.g., lunar, martian, and orbital habitats), is a prime initiative of Salutogenic Design & Consulting Group.
Q: ARE THERE BUILDING STANDARDS FOR SALUTOGENIC DESIGN?
A: A number of guidelines and standards exist that touch on elements of salutogenic design. The WELL Building Standard is the most holistic. For design professionals and building owners: LEED is to Sustainable design what WELL is to Salutogenic design (they are both administered by GBCI, with a variety of crosswalks available).
A: They are indirectly, positively related: both approaches to improve how we design, just from different directional perspectives. Sustainable design looks at how a building impacts its outside, surrounding environment. Salutogenic design looks at how a building impacts its interior environment -- its building occupants. One focuses outwards, the other focuses inwards, but they both strive to create healthy spaces.
Q: WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
A: For an overview of salutogenic design, please visit the Concepts page: you'll find more details about everything noted on this page, as well as a useful list of additional resources and references at the end! For a compelling paper on the need for, benefits of, and tactical solutions to successfully integrate salutogenic design, this reference is recommended.
Have more questions? Interested in an expert seminar on salutogenic design, project consulting, or team training? Please email Salutogenic Design & Consulting Group!
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