In the age of rapid urbanisation and increasing mental health concerns, a transformative question is being asked by urban designers and architects: What if our cities could actually make us feel healthier? Moving beyond the aesthetic and structural aspects of architecture, there is growing emphasis on the science of how spaces impact our psychological and physiological well-being.
This idea is rooted in a salutogenic approach to design — a concept that places the origins of health, not disease, at the core of architectural thinking. Coined by medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky in 1979, salutogenesis focuses on what supports human health and well-being, in contrast to the traditional pathogenic model that focuses on risks and illness.At the forefront of this movement is architect and thinker Tye Farrow, who advocates for architecture that contributes positively to human performance, emotional resilience, and neurological stability. According to him, buildings and cities are not neutral backdrops. They constantly communicate with our nervous systems, influencing hormone production, stress responses, and even cognitive clarity.
Recent studies underscore just how much our surroundings shape us. On average, humans now spend close to 90% of their lives indoors — more time than some marine animals spend submerged in water. This statistic raises critical concerns about how our built environments are either harming or healing us.The salutogenic framework builds on three psychological dimensions: comprehensibility (does a space make sense and is it easy to navigate?), manageability (do we feel in control of our environment?), and meaningfulness (does the space provide a sense of purpose or connection?). These principles guide the design of environments that reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone), increase serotonin and endorphin levels (the ‘feel-good’ chemicals), and ultimately foster more resilient communities.
Designing for health isn’t merely about aesthetics. It’s about neurological engagement. When buildings incorporate natural light, plant life, open views, and clear spatial navigation, they don’t just look good — they help people feel safe, empowered, and connected. These features, when deliberately embedded into cities, can create what experts call “neurologically rich” environments that support brain health and emotional well-being.India’s rapidly densifying cities stand to benefit immensely from such a shift in design philosophy. Rather than viewing architecture as static structures, there is an urgent need to reframe them as living systems that influence public health. Schools, hospitals, public housing, offices and even transport hubs can become active contributors to the health of urban populations if they are designed to reduce stress and encourage social interaction.
Furthermore, salutogenic design aligns naturally with sustainable city goals — reducing dependency on resource-heavy interventions while creating spaces that are inherently more livable and inclusive. It calls for an end to the dominance of sterile, rigid forms and the embrace of softer, nature-integrated, human-scaled design practices.This mindset is slowly gaining traction globally, with architects, public planners and developers reconsidering the long-term impact of spatial choices on society. Leading design bodies are beginning to integrate salutogenic guidelines into urban codes and healthcare architecture, recognising buildings as non-invasive tools for preventive health.
In the context of Indian cities aiming to become smart, green, and equitable, prioritising the salutogenic value of design could be a key strategy. As urban development accelerates, embedding health outcomes into blueprints may determine whether cities serve as environments of thriving or merely surviving.
When city design becomes a catalyst for health, well-being ceases to be a byproduct — it becomes the purpose. And that could change everything.
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