6 Benefits of Human-Scale Design & Building
Written By AD&V®
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | AD&V® is dedicated to advanced and energy-efficient sustainable architecture & interior design that enhances people’s experience of the world and improves their lives.
HUMAN-SCALE DESIGN AND BUILDING HELP MAKE CITIES MORE HUMAN-CENTERED, USER-FRIENDLY, AND LIVABLE.
Designing and building to a human scale means creating spaces optimized for human use. When people can interact with places at their scale, it enhances and improves their experiences in these spaces. Take a look at some of the benefits of human-scale design and building:
1. INTEGRATE WITH SURROUNDINGS
Structures designed and built at a human scale can easily integrate with their surroundings. For example, at our Renaissance Square affordable housing project, we replaced the existing high-rise structures and designed the new affordable housing buildings on a human scale. The project seamlessly integrated with its environment, and all buildings were grouped around a central, European-style plaza.
2. MAKE SPACES ACCESSIBLE
Human-scale design and buildings provide accessible areas that scale best to the physical constraints of a city. This type of design creates walkable, bikeable cities and communities that consider accessibility for people with disabilities or special needs. More importantly, accessible, and walkable areas consume less energy and produce less pollution by preventing traffic congestion.
3. ENCOURAGE SOCIAL INCLUSION
Human-scale design and buildings help reduce distances between spaces and people. Due to this closer proximity, people tend to see more of each other and are encouraged to interact and socialize. This social engagement helps create a sense of belonging to people and communities.
4. HELP PEOPLE FEEL GOOD
Overall, human-scale design and buildings positively affect people’s perceptions of space since they make people feel that they were considered in the planning process of that space. Human-scale design facilitates accessible areas and social inclusion helping to create livelier and more dynamic urban areas.
5. BRING ECONOMIC BENEFITS
Since human-scale design and buildings help create bustling public spaces, they can bring commercial value and economic benefits to the areas where they’re located. These public spaces attract more visitors, creating more business opportunities for locals. Vibrant public spaces are powerful in city branding, improving tourism, and enhancing a city’s competitiveness.
6. MAKE FOR SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS
Human-scale design and buildings aid in the success of property developments and projects, especially in areas where public spaces are scarce or commonly misused. Designing and building at a human scale create accessible, practical, inclusive, feel-good spaces that provide opportunities for communities and cities. More importantly, human-scale design and building can maximize the value of public spaces.