Design for Health and Wellness

In a recent St. Louis Post Dispatch article, Mackey Mitchell principal Marcus Adrian talks about how architects are creating spaces that contribute to the health and well-being of employees. He cites the  Mackey Mitchell-designed LEED Platinum Alberici Corporate Headquarters project in Overland as an example of how sustainable features have decreased the number of employee sick days by 50%. Lots of natural light, views to fountains and lakes, and access to fresh air (as shown in the dining/lounge space at Alberici) are just some of the ways to enhance workplace wellness. Adrian also talks about the Danforth Plant Sciences Center in Creve Coeur (where MMA was Architect-of-Record) and how exercise is a natural by-product of a design that promotes interaction among various disciplines. The article points out that the Danforth center even holds “tea-time” every day to draw scientists out of their labs and away from their computers to encourage movement throughout the workday.