Technical factors affecting comfort and well-being in the use of spaces intended for work activities
Workplace architecture plays an active role in achieving high standards of wellbeing and quality of life, which are crucial to the success of any business.
These conditions depend, on the one hand, on fairly objective and measurable factors, such as thermal and hygrometric comfort, air quality, visual comfort and compliance with safety requirements; on the other hand, on more ‘abstract’ factors, which are nonetheless decisive in shaping a truly high-quality space. These factors, which thus constitute the characteristics of ‘active architecture’, determine the architectural quality of a workplace – from the office to the industrial warehouse, from the craft workshop to the engineering practice, from the call centre to the warehouse – and operate on a sensory, emotional and psychological level.
Starting with the technical aspects, the layout and spatial organisation of the spaces form the ‘infrastructural network’ of the workflows and internal dynamics within a business. In any given premises, the internal layout must, from a functional point of view, meet the specific requirements of the work carried out, whilst maintaining, where possible, maximum flexibility and encouraging interaction, sharing and cooperation amongst staff, and where applicable, users and the public.
The layout and functional organisation are closely linked to the usability and accessibility of the spaces, that is, to how the functional areas are used and the degree of participation in the activities taking place there. Every part of the building must be accessible to everyone, young or old, with or without disabilities; it must be easily reached, with a focus on minimising walking distances, the absence of barriers (both physical and psychological), and ease of navigation; it must be usable in complete safety.
As we focus more closely on the worker’s operational space, we will note the importance of another factor: ergonomics, that is, the set of technical and spatial characteristics that influence the interaction between people and the working environment in relation to the objectives of the task to be carried out. Ergonomics is not merely about adapting work equipment to an individual’s anthropometric and anatomical characteristics; rather, it focuses primarily on organising work ‘on a human scale’, including its content and the environment in which it takes place.
Health
and hygiene conditions in the workplace require particular attention both during the architectural and plant engineering design phase and during the management of the facility. There are numerous factors capable of influencing the healthiness of environments, and together they ensure the protection of workers’ health. It is therefore essential to assess parameters relating to the microclimate, noise, lighting, radiation and indoor pollution (chemical, physical and biological). The main risk factors in living environments stem from exposure to tobacco smoke (carbon monoxide, PM10, volatile organic compounds), nitrogen oxides, radon, asbestos, dust and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as exposure to combustion products from stoves and heating systems, and to formaldehyde and VOCs emanating from furniture and household products. The causes of conditions such as respiratory diseases, pneumonia, colds and allergies can be attributed (in indoor environments) to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses), allergens, pollen and mould associated with human emissions, furniture, carpets, pets and damp in walls. Specific illnesses linked to spending time in unhealthy buildings and premises are recognised, such as SBS (Sick Building Syndrome) and BRI (Building-Related Illness).
A healthy working environment meets the need to boost staff motivation and addresses a widespread problem with a significant socio-economic impact: absenteeism attributable to health issues. In conclusion, meeting technical requirements and maintaining high quality standards in relation to the aspects described above have a decisive influence on well-being, quality of life and quality of work, resulting in high levels of productivity.