An adolescent’s environment has a profound impact on his or her health. According to the World Health Organization, almost one in three adolescents worldwide is overweight or obese. This has prompted architects to consider how design can be used to combat unhealthy weight gain.
An adolescent’s environment influences their eating habits and exercise routine. Teenagers spend most of their time at home with family members, visiting friends or alone at home. These activities may help you understand how architecture affects adolescents’ health better.
The Impact of Architecture in Eating Habits
Teenagers’ eating habits are significantly shaped by their surroundings.
Some architectural designs that may impact eating habits include:
- Lighting: Teenagers often crave junk food when they are bored. Studies have shown that bright lights may increase hunger pangs.
- View: The view from a teenager’s bedroom can impact their eating habits. For example, teenagers who have a view of a garden have been found to eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Sound: The sound of the television or a loud music track can increase teenage hunger pangs. In contrast, soft sounds like nature-themed music or white noise have been found to reduce cravings.
The Impact of Architecture in Exercise Habits
The environment also impacts a teenager’s exercise habits. Some architectural designs that can impact these habits include:
- Lighting: Bright lights near exercise equipment can help teenagers work out more efficiently.
- Sound: Loud music or television can interfere with teenagers’ workout routine.
- View: The view from a teenager’s bedroom can impact their exercise habits. For example, teenagers who have a view of a garden have been found to exercise more.
How can Architecture be Used to Combat Unhealthy Weight Gain?
Architects can use a variety of design elements to combat unhealthy weight gain in adolescents. For example, architects can consider the amount of natural light and view available in an adolescent’s room. Natural light and views have been associated with healthier weights among adolescents.
Architects can also consider the color of paint in an adolescent’s room. In one study, the color blue was associated with healthier weights among adolescents. An Architect can include a deck that can help adolescent motivate them to exercise.
Architects can also consider the materials used to build an adolescent’s room. For example, building materials with sound absorption capabilities have been associated with healthier weights among adolescents.