A brief discussion on strategies for building a healthy community.

Mustafa Nawzad’s interview with Professor Alan Dilani.

Q-What is health, and how do we integrate it into design?

A- Health is a process influenced by various social, mental, and physical factors, and architectural designs play a primary role in creating environments that promote the improvement of these aspects of health. By incorporating principles of biophilic design, such as natural lighting, greenery, and connections to nature, architects can enhance physical health by improving ventilation, reducing stress, and fostering better scientific outcomes. Furthermore, by addressing the conditions of the interior environment, ensuring safety, and incorporating societal influences in interior design, we can significantly enhance mental and social well-being. Designing spaces that promote physical activity, facilitate social interactions, and provide a sense of freedom and safety ultimately leads to the creation of a healthier and more vibrant community. In this way, the relationship between health and architectural design emphasizes the importance of creating environments that prioritize the well-being of all individuals inhabiting the space.

Alan Dilani has developed the theory of Salutogenic design and successfully applied it in projects around the world, demonstrating the impact of a positive built environment on human health and well-being. Professor Dilani has lectured in numerous locations, promoting the development of salutogenic design within both medical academia and the design sector. He is dedicated to nurturing a new generation of researchers in the fields of international relations and active citizenship, fostering a forward-looking perspective aimed at building a sustainable and healthy planet. Dilani, the founder of the International Academy of Design and Health (IADH) and the World Health Design journal, promotes an international exchange of research among Ministries of health worldwide. In the medical university of Karolinska his multidisciplinary research program has continued to promote his design theory and gives a global perspective. Professor Dilani was awarded recognition in 2010 by the American Institute of Architects for his promotion of high-quality design research.

Q- What is general health, and how can the health of a community be assessed?

A-General health involves efforts by a group to protect and improve the overall well-being of the population through personal health safety policies and a focus on promoting health. It involves various widespread activities aimed at addressing both personal and social health needs, including disease prevention, health education, environmental protection, access to healthcare, and monitoring community health indicators such as disease prevalence, mortality rates, environmental quality, socio-economic factors, and lifestyle choices. Analyzing these rates allows healthcare specialists to gain insights into the overall community health status and identify areas that require improvement. A healthy community with low disease rates, long life expectancy, equitable access to health monitoring, a clean and safe environment, and advanced socio-economic conditions that support the well-being of all citizens is deemed significant. Unfortunately, in Kurdistan, we do not have a research center dedicated to monitoring these statistics and identifying the health status of our community.

Q-How does building design impact the community?

A-Design greatly influences the quality of life and co-living in a community. Designing a building can shape community influence, and establish economic and cultural identity in a region. A well-considered design can enhance the sense of freedom and pride among citizens, while also fostering community cohesion. For example, local areas designed for accessibility and interaction can encourage diverse citizens to engage and communicate, thereby strengthening the community. Additionally, buildings designed with sustainable principles can reduce negative environmental impacts, improve citizens' lifestyles, and ensure a healthier community for future generations. Conversely, a poorly designed or neglected building can diminish community appeal, leading to social fragmentation, economic decline, and a diminished sense of place. In reality, designing a building is not just about aesthetics; it is also a powerful tool for shaping national identity.

Q-Does national identity impact the protection of a community's health?

A- A strong architectural identity can significantly enhance our sense of security by fostering feelings of familiarity and connection within the community. Historical buildings and landmarks often serve as significant markers, providing a sense of stability and continuity. Having these landmarks can foster a sense of independence and strengthen our connection with the environment, which in turn can enhance feelings of security. Moreover, preserving and extending traditional architecture can build trust in the unity of our built environment, reassuring us of our ability to overcome obstacles and various hardships. Additionally, preserving architectural national identity strengthens pride in our shared cultural heritage and fosters a collective responsibility for protecting and maintaining our communities. In general, a rich architectural identity can foster a deep sense of place and independence, while also enhancing our understanding of safety and quality of life in these areas. For example, Erbil city, despite its rapid growth which has not always been well-planned and has sometimes adopted foreign approaches, stands out as a source of pride compared to other cities in Iraq. Further efforts can be made to showcase our national identity and deepen our sense of belonging within it.

Q-In brief, what is the Salutogenic theory?

A-Health design theory, based on general health, derives its name from two parts: "saluto," meaning "health," and "genic," meaning "origin."Health design signifies a pathway in architecture and city planning aimed at advancing health and well-being by creating environments that support people's potential for health. It focuses on enhancing positive factors such as social interactions, access to nature, and opportunities for physical activities, while simultaneously reducing negative factors like stress and environmental pollution. Healthy design principles prioritize creating environments that promote individual health and foster a sense of independence. Healthy design blends features like greenery, natural lighting, shade, and pedestrian areas to enhance the physical health and psychological well-being of its citizens and users of the built environment.

Q-How can we use architecture to foster a healthy community?

A-Creating a healthy community through architectural design involves well-studied planning that prioritizes the physical, psychological, and social well-being of its citizens. These goals can be achieved by incorporating elements such as green spaces, pedestrian pathways, promoting physical activities, and enhancing social interactions. Furthermore, designing buildings with ample natural lighting, proper ventilation, and access to clean water contributes to creating a healthy indoor environment. Implementing ongoing initiatives such as designing energy-efficient systems and using eco-friendly furniture not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes a healthier environment. Furthermore, designing communal spaces that cater to people of all ages and abilities strengthens the sense of independence and fosters social cohesion within the community.

Q-How can we benefit from mixing certain interdisciplinary sciences to positively impact community health?

A-Various disciplines play a crucial role in promoting community health by contributing to strengthen support in various areas. For example, integrating public health with urban planning and environmental sciences can lead to policies that reduce air pollution in neighborhoods and increase green spaces, thereby improving health outcomes. Furthermore, integrating insights from psychology, sociology, and anthropology facilitates a deeper understanding of nature and societal behavior. Additionally, advancements in technology and data sciences combined with biomedical engineering and genetics can revolutionize health monitoring, leading to improved access to health insights and outcomes for the community. In conclusion, multidisciplinary sciences innovate general solutions to solve complex and interconnected problems, thereby positively impacting community health.