20 INSIGHTS SITE LINES
The real value of human-centred design
‘Human-centred’ buildings offering users better technology or greater material comfort will always be the exception rather than the rule as they are costly and challenging. This is a perception Atkins is trying to counter, as Rebecca Wicks reports
he needs of a building’s occupants may not always be a central focus of its design or the materials specified for it, especially when certain ‘comforts’ are associated with higher costs for innovative technologies and luxury finishes. However, international design, engineering and project management consul- tancy Atkins is at the forefront of turning this perception around. Atkins’ ‘human-centred design’ approach focuses on ensuring that the needs of building users are at the forefront of design decision-making. The firm’s evidence-based approach is under- scored by years of research including a recent partnership with a team from Imperial College London that investigated its economic benefits in the context of ongoing benefits to users, as well as research into materials produced with Oxford Economics and the Institute of Making at University College London. Using an interactive digital survey the company invites a broad spectrum of building users and commissioning teams to identify their priorities against nine primary physical and perceptual wellbe- ing factors. This, says Atkins, “helps to inspire early, informed design decisions towards improving wellbeing, energy efficiency, as well as lowering costs and ultimately providing an environment where fiscal rewards can be reaped from increased productivity, staff retention, and reductions in stress and sickness.” With the ability to show such quantifiable outcomes from such an approach, it’s not surprising that Atkins has employed it across its major projects since its launch in April 2016. The firm’s UK head of design, Philip Watson, has insights about the elements comprising specification for human-centred design for holistic spaces, in particular, innovative materials.
T Biophilia & natural materials
Biophilia suggests that we need contact with the natural environ- ment to sustain our health and wellbeing. Research into biophilic design shows that upon merely entering a workplace that incorpo- rates nature, people are more likely to feel happy and motivated. Atkins’ Watson says: “Natural materials – those still in their organic state such as unpainted timbers or unreconstituted stones – make us feel calmer, reduce blood pressure and heart rates, and reduce stress. Timber is one of the most obvious and yet rare natural materials, being a material used in its pure form in construction, and it is
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seeing a major revival in architectural design across the globe. “Timber naturally has a lot of advantages,” says Watson. “It is non- toxic, does not leak chemical vapour into the building, and is safe to handle and touch.” He adds: “Timber also ages naturally and doesn’t break down into environmentally damaging materials.”
Biomaterials & mycelium
Given the positive physiological benefits of using natural building materials, there is increased interest in materials derived from living, or once-living, materials; namely biomaterials. Mycelium – an environmentally friendly, organic fungus – is one such material currently being researched and developed for construction applica- tions. While so far its use has been limited to experimental furniture and smaller-scale structures, Watson says it has great potential: “It literally lies beneath our feet with the potential to be harnessed as a robust and durable building material. Consequently, it’s abundantly available!” He adds: “There can be a huge reduction on the reliance on fossil fuels, the embodied energy required for fabrication and the waste
NATURAL APPROACH
Northwood Primary School, Darlington was “born out of a vision of creating an affordable low-carbon school”
ADF OCTOBER 2017
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