Human health oriented design approaches in office buildings: Salutogenic model

Abstract

Office buildings have frequently changed from the past to the present due to historical factors (the collapse of empires, colonialism and expansionist policies, the industrial revolution, wars, the development of technology, epidemics, etc.) and the transformations these factors have created in user needs. Office designs, based on user health and productivity, have also had to keep pace with the changing needs of the age. Therefore, the design of office spaces is an important criterion that reflects how people feel and how it affects their work performance. Research examining the relationship between health and office environments often focuses on a single variable (noise, lighting, office layout, air quality, etc.) and addresses the pathogenic effects of the physical environment, while largely ignoring salutogenic components. Thus, there is a need for a theoretical framework and a holistic approach that encompasses health-promoting research data by adopting the concept of “salutogenic,” introduced by sociologist Aaron Antonovsky, which aims to address the origins of health and promote well-being in a positive manner. The aim of this article is to explore how the adoption of salutogenic principles in the architectural design of offices can positively affect the physical, mental, and social health of employees and how this process should be managed. The data obtained through a literature review method enable the application of salutogenic models in office buildings. Within the scope of this study, Antonovsky’s concept of the salutogenic model is examined, and the adaptation of design models developed based on this concept is discussed in the context of office buildings.