The Ikigai model applied to building and urban design: the advantages for individual and community well-being

In recent years, the concept of ikigai has gained more and more importance, thanks to its ability to help people find their purpose in life and live more fulfilling lives. Ikigai, which is Japanese for "reason to live," is all about finding a balance between what we like to do, what we're good at, what makes us feel useful, and what the world needs.

But how can the ikigai model be applied to the world of building and urban design?

How can it help industry professionals identify their goals and find a balance between their wishes and the needs of the community?

In this article we will explore the benefits of applying the ikigai model to building and urban design and we will see how this approach can be useful not only for individual well-being, but also for the well-being of the community.

Ikigai in building and urban design

To apply the ikigai model to building and urban design, professionals in the sector can use the four fundamental elements of the model:

• What you love to do: in this case it's about identifying the areas of building and urban design that most interest the professional. For example, sustainable building design, urban regeneration or green space planning.
• What you are good at: In this phase, the professional must identify his skills and technical knowledge, to understand in which area he can give his best contribution. For example, the design of energy efficient buildings, knowledge of sustainable building regulations or the ability to use advanced design tools.
• What the world needs: in this element of the model, the professional must consider the needs of the community in which he operates. For example, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the lack of green spaces in urban areas or the demand for sustainable and healthy buildings.
• What they pay you for: in this phase, the professional must consider the economic factor, or how his work can generate income and profit.

Applying the ikigai model to building and urban design can help professionals in the sector identify areas where they can make their best contribution, while meeting the needs of the community. But there are other advantages too.

The advantages of ikigai in building and urban design

One of the main benefits of applying the ikigai model to building and urban design is the potential to improve the individual well-being of professionals in the sector. Indeed, when you work in an area that interests you and you are good at it, you have greater motivation and satisfaction. Furthermore, when work has a positive impact on the community, there is greater personal gratification.

But ikigai can also be useful for the well-being of the community itself. In fact, when industry professionals use the ikigai model in their business, they focus on projects that meet community needs and can have a positive impact on people and the environment.

For example, a designer working with the ikigai model might focus on designing sustainable and healthy buildings that improve the quality of life of the inhabitants and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, he could collaborate with local authorities for urban regeneration, creating green spaces and improving sustainable mobility.

In this way, the application of the ikigai model to building and urban design can have a positive impact on urban sustainability, improving people's quality of life and reducing the environmental impact.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the application of the ikigai model to building and urban design can be very useful for professionals in the sector, both from the point of view of individual well-being and urban sustainability. Identifying areas you are good at, interested in, and meet the needs of the community can help industry professionals focus on projects that have a positive impact on people and the environment.

Furthermore, using the ikigai model in building and urban design can foster collaboration between professionals from different areas, promoting multidisciplinarity and the creation of innovative and sustainable solutions.

For these reasons, it is important that professionals in the field of design, sustainability and project management approach the ikigai model and apply it to their business, helping to create a more sustainable and fulfilling world for all.

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