The Healthy Interior Design course will train professionals to design spaces by integrating health criteria to improve people's well-being.
The Healthy Interior Design course will train professionals to design spaces by integrating health criteria to improve people's well-being.
DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
Decarbonization has established itself as a key strategy for reducing the environmental impact of buildings. However, beyond indicators related to carbon emissions, circularity, or energy demand reduction, it is essential to delve deeper into how architectural factors directly influence human health. In this context, the science of the exposome is becoming increasingly relevant; it studies the cumulative impact of environmental exposures over a lifetime and highlights the close relationship between spatial design, indoor conditions, and human well-being.
We spend more than 80% of our time indoors, and health determinants linked to indoor environmental quality—such as air, light, materials, and acoustics—have a direct impact on comfort, health, and performance. Yet, many of these aspects remain little understood or poorly integrated into the professional practice of many specialists, despite their growing influence on architectural design.
At the same time, the new Construction Products Regulation promotes the use of biomaterials and natural materials, reinforcing the need to understand their behavior, performance characteristics, and health implications. This course on Healthy Interior Design addresses these topics through an applied theoretical approach—incorporating real samples and installation examples—with the aim of equipping professionals with the tools and criteria to integrate health considerations into design while offering higher-quality, value-added services to their clients.
Objectives
- Equip professionals with a solid theoretical foundation enabling them to incorporate health-related criteria into architectural planning and interior design.
- Introduce key concepts regarding environmental health, the exposome, and indoor environmental quality, and their relationship with architecture.
- Examine the qualities, performance characteristics, and health implications of building materials, with a particular focus on natural materials and biomaterials.
- Identify building systems and design strategies that foster healthier indoor environments, such as HVAC, ventilation, lighting, and electrical and telecommunications installations.
- Provide applicable tools and criteria for integrating these new approaches into day-to-day professional practice.
- Offer knowledge that enables professionals to differentiate their services and enhance the value they deliver to clients.
Target Audience
Architects, technical architects, interior designers and decorators, as well as managers, developers, and real estate agents interested in incorporating health-related criteria into their projects. It is also aimed at healthcare professionals who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of materials and construction systems on indoor environmental quality, comfort, and user health.
Methodology
Format
Streaming.
Lecture criteria
The course is delivered through lectures with a strong practical focus. Case studies, material samples, and real-world examples of installation will be presented, fostering active participation, discussion, and the clarification of questions to facilitate the application of the course content to professional practice.
Session structure
5 sessions of 4 hours each. 20 hours of theory.
Case studies
A significant portion of the explanations regarding construction systems and materials is developed through case studies and real-world examples. Furthermore, specific sessions are included to analyze completed projects, enabling an understanding of how the outlined criteria are applied in actual contexts.
Evaluation
Active course engagement and participation.
Learning Outcomes
- Integrate basic health criteria into the design of interior spaces and into building and renovation projects.
- Analyze the impact of architectural factors, materials, and building systems on indoor environmental quality.
- Identify materials, construction systems, and technical solutions that foster healthier environments.
- Incorporate concepts related to environmental health and the exposome into project decision-making.
- Apply these criteria consistently in professional practice, adding value and quality to the services offered to clients.
Programme
Session 1
- 1h - Welcome, introduction, and program - Sonia Hdez-Montaño
- 3h - Materials: flooring, wall coverings, and renders - Sonia Hdez-Montaño
Session 2
- 1h - Reuse in architecture - Pol Miret
- 2h - Healthy indoor environment - Elisabet Silvestre
- 1h - Biophilia - Núria Gil
Session 3
- 2h - Electrical systems - Sonia Hdez-Montaño
- 2h - Chronobiological lighting - Gisela Steiger
Session 4
- 2.5h - Kitchens, furniture, and joinery - Manu Gayete
- 1.5h - Telecommunications systems - David Casas
Session 5
- 2h - HVAC and ventilation systems - Sonia Hdez-Montaño
- 2h - Sharing design strategies - Sonia Hdez-Montaño
Formación relacionada
