Designing taking into account the factor reducing stress in the workplace

Abstract

Workplace stress is a common cause of many diseases. It may be intensified by staying in one room for many hours and being exposed to unfavorable environmental stimuli. The role of designers may be important in shaping the work environment favorable to the mental comfort of building users. The aim of the article is to review the solutions used in the architecture of public and commercial (office) buildings, as well as in interior designs and landscape projects, helpful to reduce the level of stress that may arise in the workplace. The adopted research methodology includes the analysis of selected examples of design solutions, literature studies and the anthropological research carried out by the author using the structured interview method. The result of the review is the collection of a rich set of design methods, which allow to shape the work environment favorable to the mental health of users of public and commercial buildings. The conducted research allows to conclude that designers have a wide range of measures which enables to shape a work environment that is beneficial for mental health. The range of these possibilities in the hands of architects is constantly growing, and they should be constantly aware of it. In addition, listening to the needs of users of existing buildings may lead designers to new solutions.