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ACTIU Berbegal y Formas, S.A.
The design of space as a third caregiver

The design of space as a third caregiver

NOVEMBER 2021 | 3 minutes

There is scientific evidence that demonstrates the direct influence of architecture and the design of spaces on people's health. For this reason, spaces such as schools and offices are increasingly needing to undergo a humanisation process to become more welcoming, inspiring and technological environments. The same goes for hospitals.

In this regard, incorporating conditions into the interior spaces of hospitals that somehow reflect the values of everyday life, such as comfortable and inviting living rooms instead of more impersonal and uncomfortable waiting rooms, allows hospital care to be humanised while also improving emotional well-being.

Domum Space, Hospital del Mar

Similarly, health in the workplace has become a key factor for any company, especially at this time. Beyond the known physical or ergonomic risks, there are the so-called psychosocial risks, which pose great difficulties in the field of occupational health and safety, capable of influencing the well-being and happiness of workers, but also the proper functioning and productivity of companies.

The work environment and the way work is organised and managed have a direct influence on the health of workers. We can safeguard their health by taking into account the layout of the space, the type of furniture and also the materials used in the workspaces and communal areas, among other factors.

The latest trend in interior design is the ‘Evidence-Based-Design’ concept. A method that combines qualitative and quantitative analysis to determine which spaces are relevant, to what extent and what the people who are going to use them expect.

Actiu has spent years studying the functioning of spaces within the framework of its Cool Working by Actiu® philosophy, which involves a process of analysis, consulting and support that identifies the needs of each organisation and offers the optimal solution taking into account the space and the style of work that is carried out in it.

The key is also to focus on the physical, psychological and social impact that a certain space has on the people who use it over a certain period of time, be it continuously or sporadically. And in this regard, in addition to qualitative data, quantitative data must also be applied in the decisions taken to improve the well-being of the facilities.

To allow these improvements to be applied, Gaia by Actiu® was created; a smart platform that allows parameters to be measured in real time related to temperature, humidity, sound, light, human presence and the quality of air and PM2.5 and PM10 particles in suspension. Objective information through usage data that is turned into valuable knowledge for making decisions when designing spaces.

Health is therefore equal to physical and mental well-being and it is important to take care of the team and the users of the spaces, whatever the industry may be, in order to achieve friendlier, more inspiring and more comfortable environments. Because people must always be at the heart of any design strategy.

In this regard, Actiu has recently received the AXA/Prevenga 2021 award in the Company category. Carmen Berbegal, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Actiu, has accepted the award given by the President of the Alicante Provincial Council, Carlos Mazón, which, in her own words, “sought to recognise the sustainability of our facilities, as well as our commitment to the safety and health and well-being of our employees”.