Imagine a world where every building, park, and public space is designed to make you feel happy and relaxed. With

The Need for “Minimum Design Standards” in Our Living Spaces

Imagine a world where every building, park, and public space is designed to make you feel happy and relaxed.

That’s what we want to achieve by defining “Minimum Design Standards.” It’s about setting rules that ensure our surroundings help us feel our best, no matter where we live.

The Problem We’re Facing

Too often, our spaces cram too many people into too little room, making us feel cramped and stressed.

Also, areas without greenery or filled with noise pollution can leave us feeling drained and disconnected.

The Solution: Minimum Design Standards

These standards act like a guide for creating better environments. Here’s what they focus on:

Room to Breathe: Ensuring personal space in homes, workplaces, and public transport.
Touches of Nature: Integrating plants and green areas into urban settings, even in small doses, to improve our mood.
Community Hubs: Designing spaces that encourage gathering and interaction, supporting a sense of belonging.
Peace and Cleanliness: Reducing noise pollution and improving air quality for more enjoyable living areas.
Thoughtful Construction: Building with an eye towards sustainability and personal well-being, making spaces that are good for the Earth and good for us.

How it makes us feel

Here’s a list of things commonly found in our environments that can contribute to discomfort, highlighting a need for thoughtful design and consideration of well-being:

Economy Seats on Airplanes: Limited legroom and cramped seating can lead to physical discomfort during flights.
Tiny Bedrooms: Minimal space around beds restricts movement and affects quality of rest.
Lack of Privacy in Homes with Large Windows Facing Streets: Glass walls or big windows can expose personal spaces to public view, reducing privacy.
Overcrowded Public Transport: Packed buses and trains, especially during peak hours, can be stressful and uncomfortable.
Narrow Parking Spaces: Difficulties in parking and accessing vehicles in tight spots.
High Noise Levels in Urban Areas: Constant traffic, construction, and urban noise can disrupt daily life and increase stress.
Minimal Green Spaces in Cities: Lack of parks and natural environments in urban settings can affect mental well-being.
Open Office Layouts: Lack of personal space and constant noise can decrease productivity and increase stress.
Compact Living Spaces with Minimal Storage: Clutter and lack of storage options can make homes feel chaotic and cramped.
Poorly Lit Streets and Public Spaces: Inadequate lighting can make evening commutes feel unsafe and unwelcoming.
Lack of Public Seating Areas: Fewer places to rest in public areas can make city exploration and waiting uncomfortable.
Small Restrooms in Public Places: Cramped and crowded facilities can be inconvenient and uncomfortable.
Insufficient Pedestrian Walkways: Narrow or crowded sidewalks can make walking in cities less enjoyable and more hazardous.
Hard, Uncomfortable Public Seating: Benches or seats made from unforgiving materials can make waiting or resting unpleasant.
Limited Personal Space in Gyms and Fitness Centres: Overcrowded facilities can hinder movement and affect workout quality.
Excessive Brightness in Work Environments: Harsh lighting can cause eye strain and headaches.
Unsheltered Public Spaces: Lack of protection from sun and rain can make waiting or gathering outdoors uncomfortable.
Thin Walls in Apartments and Hotels: Poor sound insulation can lead to privacy issues and disturbances.
Steep Stairs Without Adequate Handrails: Difficult navigation for individuals with mobility issues or carrying heavy items.
Unregulated Smoking Areas Close to Entrances: Exposure to second-hand smoke and lingering smells near building entrances.

Addressing these discomforts calls for a holistic approach to design and planning, where human comfort and well-being are prioritised in every aspect of our shared environments.

A Global Movement

Adopting these standards can transform cities and towns everywhere into places where life isn’t just about getting by but thriving.

This change requires cooperation from all corners—urban planners, architects, government officials, and communities themselves.

The reward? Healthier, happier societies that are ready for the future.

“Minimum Design Standards” aren’t just about making places look good; they’re about ensuring those places promote well-being and happiness for everyone.

It’s a commitment to building a better world, one space at a time.