What are effective strategies for designing indoor spaces that promote physical activity?

Integrating biophilic design concepts is typically an effective strategy for developing indoor areas that encourage physical activity. Biophilic design aims to integrate natural components into constructed spaces, establishing a link between individuals and the surrounding natural environment. This might include integrating indoor plants, maximizing natural light, and using materials that draw inspiration from nature. Biophilic design incorporates elements of nature into indoor spaces, resulting in not just a visually pleasing environment but also promoting better health and more physical movement.

Para projetar espa?os internos biofílicos que promovam a atividade física eu considero alguns pontos que estimule as pessoas. Integra??o com a natureza: Use materiais naturais e maximize a luz natural. Design flexível: Crie espa?os versáteis e utilize móveis modulares. Circula??o ativa: Incentive escadas e posicione elementos para promover movimento. áreas de exercício: Inclua espa?os dedicados ao exercício com design atraente. Elementos biomiméticos: Incorporando formas, padr?es e cores inspirados na natureza. Ventila??o e qualidade do ar; Acessibilidade e inclus?o; Conectividade com o exterior;

Designing spaces inspired by nature is like inviting curiosity and connection into your home or workplace, evoking the excitement of exploring a favorite tourist spot. Adding touches like vertical gardens and indoor plants encourages movement and discovery, while features like natural lighting, textures, and open spaces create a welcoming atmosphere. With elements like skylights and biomorphic shapes, it's about bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside, making every moment feel like an adventure.

A recent study published by the Journal of American Cardiology shows that as little as 2800 steps a day leads to a significant decrease in cardiovascular disease. An effective way to encourage indoor walking an attractive open staircase in a central atrium. This promotes physical activity and fosters social interactions, benefiting our physical and mental well-being. But not all stairs are equal. In the Bloomberg London Headquarters by Foster & Partners, the focal point is a triple-helix staircase in a central atrium, illuminated by skylights. Wide enough for three people to walk side-by-side, it fosters casual conversation while accommodating varying fitness levels with its low risers and wide treads.

We have reminders to get up every hour and walk for a minute ..Each one measures minimum of 4k-5k steps per day.. These small changes encourage individuals to give up sedentary behavior, promoting movement and physical activity throughout the day.

Flexible layouts and multi-functional furniture in interior design reduce sedentary behaviour. Creating easily redesignable spaces and using movable and flexible furniture like rotating chairs, multi-functional sofas, wall beds, etc. can add versatility to the space, improving overall well-being and productivity by promoting physical movement and healthy living.

In an office renovation project I designed, promoting physical activities was a key aspect of the layout planning. As the office is in a two-story building, the kitchen was strategically placed on the second floor, providing users with the opportunity to stretch their legs while accessing refreshments and snacks. Utilizing glazed sliding doors, the second level seamlessly connects to a roof terrace, fostering visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces and encouraging increased use of the terrace. Additionally, vegetable planters were incorporated on the roof terrace to promote urban farming activities. Finally, a portion of the roof terraced has wood decking, dedicated for the office sponsored outdoor yoga or fitness classes.

Companies can look at a variety of activities, provide membership discounts, develop wellness programs, and integrate collaborations into workplace culture. These efforts promote engagement and contribute to the overall health and well-being of employees or occupants.