As well as World Mental Health Day, October saw World Architecture Day. It was established in 1985 by the International Union of Architecture (UIA) and to coincide with UN World Habitat Day.
This year’s theme is Architecture for Wellbeing and in line with Union’s commitment to use evidence-based design to promote health in buildings and cities. This in turn is a response to recent global public health crises including the Covid-19 pandemic. And its emphasis on wellbeing fits in with good mental health.
Health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” and “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition” (WHO, n.d.).
At Sheldon Bosley Knight we are very aware of the impact good architecture has on our health, wellbeing and sense of place and believe it is important the built environment has a positive impact on the health of people who experience it.
We are proud of our in-house architecture team, made up of skilled and knowledgeable professionals with many years’ experience in projects of all sizes and types, which holds these principles and strives to achieve architectural excellence at all times.
As well as being able to guide clients through the design process of any project, they have considerable experience in planning, building regulations, tender and construction, enabling them to oversee projects from initial conception to completion.
SBK’s associate director and head of planning and architecture, Peter Leamy said: “We know very well that good architecture is important not just aesthetically, but also to the health and wellbeing of those who live and work in and around the finished buildings and landscapes.
“At SBK, we are very aware of our responsibilities in ensuring our designs for buildings in our communities are well thought out, creative and fit for purpose but that also fit into and work within the landscape in which they are situated.
“It can be a tricky and complex process, but we have a dynamic team here with considerable knowledge and experience.
“This coupled with an excellent track record of positive working relationships with many local planning authorities and their officers ensures we deliver the very best service at all times.”