IN-PERSON: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

The importance of mental health and wellbeing has been a primary focus within the public health community for decades and increasingly so since COVID-19. As people struggle stay connected to others in the midst of quarantines and technology1-6, the buildings in which we live, learn, and work have an increasingly important role in addressing humans’ intrinsic need to form meaningful relationships. Place Attachment, the affiliative bonds between human beings and spaces, rests upon a large body of transdisciplinary research which provides support for the use of design strategies to improve connections between the people, the place and the planet. Standards and rating systems are guiding the future of our built world and how we interact with the spaces in which we spend our time. They must continue to drive innovation and deliver their impact to all people, all buildings, and all communities. The WELL Building Standard version 2™ (WELL v2™) is a premier building certification program that tackles the intersection of health and the built environment across 10 categories: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Sound, Materials, Thermal Comfort, Mind ad Community. The WELL Mind concept ensures that policy and design strategies are integrated into the fabric of our buildings and communities. Collectively, the 11 features in the Mind concept help to support a culture of mental health and wellbeing through both design- and policy-based approaches. Strategies are underscored by a rigorous evidence base, evolving best practice, and emerging/innovative design and programming practices throughout the industry.