Architecture and Health: Is There a Connection?
In Moscow, the Lomonosov Cluster hosted a two-day international forum on preventive medicine. Participants explored how living environment and surroundings affect lifestyle and health. The discussion “Health-Preserving Environment and Infrastructure: Where People Live” was moderated by Natalia Kobyuk, an architect-analyst at the Strategic Development Agency “CENTER”
Architect-analyst at the Strategic Development Agency “CENTER”Natalia Kobyuk
Millions of square meters of housing are built annually. Yet, the construction industry, which directly affects living conditions, has long been distant from health preservation and preventive medicine issues. Only recently have developers started asking how to design solutions that positively impact health
Experts shared practices: Yana Andreeva, Head of Product Development at Sminex, and Pavel Kirillovsky, Lead Project Manager at the Analytics and Product Department of FSK Group, described how their companies create ideal living spaces with attention to details, from dry pathways to pools to correct lighting heights in corridors.
State support for health-preserving environments is increasing and forms the basis of the federal project “Health for Everyone.” Jemal Surmanidze, Head of Regulatory and Methodological Work at the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Utilities of Russia, noted that construction is just beginning this journey: “We create public spaces and maintain housing quality. Now, this should also promote health.”
Maria Lopatina, Candidate of Medical Sciences at the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of accessibility to fresh produce, noting that in some areas fast-food outlets still dominate.
Experts agreed: architecture and thoughtful planning can positively affect health and psychological well-being, and these principles are gradually being applied in practice.
Photo: Irina Kashirina