An Architect’s perspective with Jay Morton
In this week’s episode of the Healthy Home Show Podcast, I chatted with Jay Morton , a director of Bell Phillips Architects about our shared passion for creating healthier homes and communities. Jay shared the importance of incorporating human health and wellbeing into the architectural process, particularly when designing spaces that foster social and community connections. In this conversation, we explored the challenges architects face when working on affordable housing projects and the innovative solutions Bell Phillips Architects have pioneered. Here are the key insights and takeaways from our discussion. If you prefer to hear the full episode, here is the link:
Understanding the Human Element in Architecture
Jay began by explaining how Bell Phillips Architects focuses on more than just aesthetics and construction logistics. Their architectural practice places a high value on social impact, particularly in affordable housing developments. By working with local authorities and communities, they design buildings that not only meet housing needs but also enhance the health and wellbeing of residents.
She highlighted a project near London Bridge which is a resident-led development within an existing estate. Here, Bell Phillips worked closely with the community, conducting co-design exercises to ensure the buildings met the specific needs of the people who would live there. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents, leading to stronger community bonds and improved mental wellbeing.
The Psychological and Physical Impact of Buildings
I brought up the role of architecture in affecting both mental and physical health, noting that buildings impact everything from access to natural light to feelings of safety and security. Jay agreed, referencing a study that links health outcomes, including heart health, to how much control people feel over their environment. In both workspaces and homes, having a sense of autonomy reduces stress and anxiety.
A powerful example Jay mentioned is an elderly care scheme project called Appleby Blue, which significantly improved residents’ health outcomes by encouraging social interaction through design. Features like outdoor benches, courtyard views, and deck access created opportunities for neighbours to connect, leading to fewer hospital visits and reduced loneliness among residents.
Building Trust Through Transparency
One of the main challenges Jay faces in working with communities is overcoming mistrust, especially when it comes to local authorities. She stressed the importance of transparency and engaging with the community early in the design process to prevent opposition and anxiety. Involving residents in discussions about the planning and construction of buildings helps build trust and provides a sense of control.
A great example was a project in Thurrock, where initial opposition from residents was turned into collaboration. The community’s input led to the repurposing of a previously neglected piece of land, resulting in a better-located community centre and a more harmonious development.
Affordability vs. Quality in Housing
One of the recurring issues in architecture, particularly in affordable housing, is balancing cost and quality. Jay shared a striking statistic: a high-quality housing project like Appleby Blue cost 25% more than a standard scheme, but the long-term savings in healthcare costs and improved quality of life far outweighed the initial expense. For example, one resident’s frequent hospital visits for mental health issues stopped completely after moving into the new home. Short-term cost-saving measures often lead to long-term societal costs. Developers and governments must consider the value of quality housing, not just the upfront cost.
Sustainability and Retrofitting Challenges
Another important topic Jay covered was the need for sustainable building practices, especially in retrofitting older homes to meet modern standards of health and energy efficiency. Bell Phillips Architects is working on projects that use more natural materials like timber and hemp, reducing reliance on high-carbon materials like concrete and vinyl flooring, which also emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Reconnecting Cities with Nature
A recurring theme throughout the conversation was the need to reconnect our urban environments with nature. Jay spoke about how incorporating green spaces, planting trees, and reducing hard surfaces in cities can help combat issues like overheating and poor air quality while simultaneously improving mental wellbeing and fostering community interaction.
Key Takeaways:
Involving communities in the design process enhances trust, satisfaction, and ultimately, the success of the project. A well-planned living space fosters stronger social bonds and improves both physical and mental health.
Thoughtful architectural design, which encourages autonomy and interaction, can dramatically improve health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly.Integrating nature into urban design—whether through parks, gardens, or urban farming—enhances well-being and helps cities become more resilient to climate change.
Transparency and open communication with local communities are critical to building trust and ensuring the success of any project. Involving residents in planning not only fosters cooperation but also leads to more creative and effective design solutions.
Investing in high-quality, health-focused housing may cost more initially but leads to long-term savings in public health and other sectors, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
Sustainable materials and practices must be at the forefront of both new builds and retrofits. Thoughtful retrofitting can improve air quality, reduce energy use, and create healthier living spaces without sacrificing the character of older buildings.
Statistics and Impact
Involving residents in the design process can lead to better social outcomes, including improved mental health and fewer hospital visits, as seen in the Appleby Blue project.
Sustainable housing projects can cost up to 25% more initially but lead to long-term savings in public health costs.
According to the International WELL Building Institute, incorporating health and well-being strategies into residential projects can increase property values by up to 17%.
The construction industry is responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions, making sustainable building practices essential for reducing environmental impact.
Final Thoughts
The conversation between Charlie and Jay highlighted the importance of holistic thinking in architectural design. It’s not just about bricks and mortar, but about creating spaces that enhance human health, foster community, and respect the environment. By involving communities in the design process, prioritising sustainability, and making small, thoughtful changes, architects like Jay Morton are helping to build healthier homes and cities for the future. Check out more of the great work that Jay is doing via the links below and don’t forget to give her podcast a listen too!
By rethinking how we design and build homes, we can create environments that nurture both people and the planet, improving quality of life for all.
I hope you have enjoyed hearing about how Community and Materials can affect our health in this week’s episode. If you are interested in diving into the other main concepts that create a Healthy Home and Lifestyle, there’s loads more info on my website – www.charlielemmer.com
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Be WELL
Charlie x
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