Balance May 2018 - 32

C O N ST R U C T I V E A DV I C E

Building a healthy future
an
What c ?
I do

Apply these 10 wellness architecture principles to everyday
life and make your workspace the best place it can be

MAKE A STAND

FLOWERED UP

An hour of sitting decreases production of
the enzymes that burn fat by up to 90%.
Get a standing desk, or hold standing
meetings. At least they'll be over quicker.

Living biowalls are a big part of WELLcertified offices, helping improve
air quality and promote calm. Try Motherin-law's tongue (or Sansevieria, to give it
its more-PC, soothing name).

START A MOVEMENT
If work requires you to sit, download apps
like Moves for iOS, or Big Stretch Reminder
for Windows. Even a quick office tour will
make a dent in your 10,000 daily steps.

LET THERE BE LIGHT
Natural light has a beneficial effect on
sleep quality and general wellbeing, so try
to grab a window seat, or at least make sure
meetings are held in light, airy rooms.

MANY HOUNDS MAKE
LIGHT WORK
Few things bring an office together better
than one well-behaved dog. If your pooch
can be trusted, they'll do wonders for your
health, and that of your co-workers.

GO GREEN

*SOURCE: OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS

Specifically, paint your office walls green
to create an atmosphere that stimulates
creativity and calm. If that's not possible,
bring some green items into your
workspace, preferably a shade of sage.
And avoid red, as that apparently kills
analytical thinking.

GRAZING STANDARDS
Emphasis is being put on offering healthy
eating options, so invest in appliances like
juicers, which will encourage your staff to
eat good, nutritious food at home, too.

AIR RAISING
As early as 100BC, Roman architect
Vitruvius wrote about the impact of air
quality in buildings. Open windows, or
invest in an air purifier for your desk.

NO SLOUCH
Poor posture is a major cause of lower back
pain, so ask for an ergonomic chair which
maintains good posture, or try a gadget like
the Lumo Lift (lumobodytech.com) which
vibrates when you start to slump.

IF YOU DON'T ASK...
If your building has a flat roof, turn it
into a roof terrace to soak up the sun. If
there's running water, build a shower
and changing room to encourage cycling.
Convince your boss costs will be offset by
fewer sick days and lower staff turnover. B

LANDSEC HQ

FORA

A juice bar, free healthy
snacks and carefully plotted
sight lines to maximise natural
light are just some of the
innovations that feature
in the new HQ of the
UK's largest commercial
property development
and investment company.

Five floors of stunning
workspace and, crucially, a
top-floor residents' lounge and
terraces for jaw-dropping views.
Few things can provide
inspiration quite like a glorious
vista of the greatest city on
earth, and Fora is planning more
spaces across the Big Smoke.

100 VICTORIA STREET,
LONDON

May 2018 BA LA N CE

9 DALLINGTON STREET,
LONDON

33
http://www.lumobodytech.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Balance May 2018
