longevity architecture

It wasn’t until my wife’s health deteriorated after eight pregnancies in nine years that I seriously contemplated longevity architecture.  In this instance, longevity architecture is defined as design promoting optimum client health, mental wellbeing, vitality and lifestyle.  Too often a doctor’s diagnosis only propagates big pharma prescriptions that mask health symptoms rather than treating the cause.

what is longevity architecture?

By longevity architecture, we are not referring to principles and practices aimed at increasing a building’s life-cycle.  Every architect should design buildings that endure over time through durability material selection, structure  and weather resilience to physical environmental.  In this context, longevity architecture refers to structural integrity and extending a building’s lifespan beyond typical economic or mortgage cycles.  In this instance longevity architecture uses strategies like: high-quality materials, flexible layouts for future modifications to counter obsolescence.

Since the pandemic; there’s an increased percentage of the population that are incredulous to doctor’s advice.  In my wife’s case prior to the pandemic, nine years of pregnancy had impacted her health.  Even after testing, many doctors and specialist referrals are unable to diagnose reasons for illness and contributing factors for symptoms.  With the absence of answers outside of big-pharma prescriptions, we sought natural health advice outside of medical establishment. Our health journeys make us cognizant that diet, exercise, nutrition and physical environment contribute to our physical and mental health.  Could the buildings we occupy be the reason for our health issues?

International architecture schools teach about sick building syndrome but most architects are untrained in preventing it’s occurrence.  Sick building syndrome has been a growing concern in modern architecture since the 1970s.  Sick building syndrome refers to building occupants experiencing health complaints: headaches, fatigue, eye and respiratory irritation, dizziness and skin issues.  The health symptoms aren’t attributed to identifiable illness or disease and symptoms typically improve upon leaving the building.  Sick building syndrome is attributed to indoor air quality, inadequate ventilation, chemical pollutants from building materials and mold/bacteria contaminants.

building technologies 

At the schematic design phase, an architect can incorporate design responses for longevity architecture to achieve optimum health.  The architectural design includes; grounding meshes, UV treated and filtered potable rainwater, passive solar design for optimum vitamin D.  Carbon and UVC light HEPA filters, incandescent lighting that shifts with circadian rhythm, low EMF wiring and CAT 6 network, low VOC finishes and biothylic soundscapes.

longevity architecture outcomes

Longevity architecture involves prioritizing sustainable design strategies; access to direct sunlight, enhancing natural ventilation and specifying low-VOC building materials.  Advanced mechanical air-conditioned systems with biophilic elements for occupant well-being also reduce health risks with substandard indoor environments.