Step Exhibitions
Considering Resident Behaviour and Capabilities in (Flexible) Housing Design
Time: 10:10 - 10:30
Date: 4th June 2025
Theatre: Design & Digital Solutions Theatre
My research investigates the effects of architectural design of buildings on user needs and wellbeing using a cross-disciplinary (psychological) approach. This presentation will discuss importance of flexible home designs on our wellbeing particularly focusing on residents’ own behaviours of engaging with the home and their capabilities to do it . Flexible homes are sustainable as… Read more »
Design in Mental HealthSynopsis
My research investigates the effects of architectural design of buildings on user needs and wellbeing using a cross-disciplinary (psychological) approach. This presentation will discuss importance of flexible home designs on our wellbeing particularly focusing on residents’ own behaviours of engaging with the home and their capabilities to do it .
Flexible homes are sustainable as they provide impermanence within the built environment. They also support and enhance residents’ wellbeing by allowing higher control and agency to decide how to use homes when our needs change and develop. My research established the importance of having flexibility at home for residents’ psychological wellbeing (how happy, in control, competent and socially connected we feel); And found that residents engaging in behaviours of home modifications plays a vital role in it. If flexible buildings are to be sustainable both financially, environmentally, and socially, they would need to support resident behaviours of making changes to their homes. In addition to creating flexible features and environments, residents physical and mental abilities to engage in the task and their motivations are important drivers which need to be considered when designing flexible home and its features.
In this talk, I present my research findings and the psychological approach used to understand how we can elevate successes of designs that are usable and impactful for residents and their wellbeing.
Speakers
Sadhana Jagannath ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow - Imperial College London
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