Knowledge

Wellbeing

The physical, social, psychological and ecological impacts of architectural, urban and interior design combine to enable communities to flourish. We understand the economic growth of both our company and our clients is linked to the social and economic wellbeing of our employees and the wider community.

Thumbnail for the article 'Fostering connection through disconnection' by Interior Design Thought Leadership Group

Fostering connection through disconnection

Workplace design in 2030

Interior Design Thought Leadership Group

While the evolution of automation and AI technologies hint at a future that is distant and impersonal, how can we better design our workplaces to foster human connection and promote wellbeing?

Thumbnail for the article 'Sensory-based design for our ageing population' by Talia Uylaki, Gaye McKean, Lucinda Trevaskis, Gary Mackintosh

Sensory-based design for our ageing population

Talia Uylaki, Gaye McKean, Lucinda Trevaskis, Gary Mackintosh

We all deserve to age in comfort, and to feel supported within an inclusive environment. But the built environment can be challenging to navigate for those who are sensitive to environmental stimuli, such as those living with neurogenerative diseases – though it needn’t be. In research led by Talia Uylaki, we explored how sensory-based design can lead to better outcomes for people living with dementia.

Thumbnail for the article 'Public realm: A matter of inclusion' by William Hames, Iain Stewart and Sonja Duric

Public realm: A matter of inclusion

William Hames, Iain Stewart and Sonja Duric

Helping people navigate and understand how a place works involves careful consideration and planning to improve accessibility, orientation and connectivity, along with those intangible moments of magic that lift a space to cultural icon status visited the world over.

Thumbnail for the article 'The shape of water' by Yaara Plaves, Madeleine Steele & Talia Uylaki

The shape of water

How regenerative design can save our public pools and improve water safety

Yaara Plaves, Madeleine Steele & Talia Uylaki

Australia is an urban coastal nation – we love the water and our well-known fascination with the beach and water is part of our cultural DNA. But despite the strong culture around water, recent figures reveal that drowning deaths are increasing. The infrastructure of public swimming pools is also fast approaching its use-by-date, meaning we’re falling short in meeting the contemporary and anticipated future needs of our communities. However, we believe design can help.

Thumbnail for the article 'There’s no place like home: Sarah’s journey and finding a home in architecture'

There’s no place like home: Sarah’s journey and finding a home in architecture

As a young child, Sarah experienced housing insecurity first-hand. She moved constantly with her loving family from a baby to young adulthood, moving into 15 different homes growing up in Adelaide. Every time she moved, Sarah would sit and draw the floorplan of her new home so she knew where to go and could start to feel at ease in her new surrounds. This started her path towards architecture, having experienced the criticality of a secure home, our sense of ‘place’ and the importance of our mental health as part of our life experiences.

Thumbnail for the article 'Retail therapy: How retail is the ‘third space’' by Harold Perks, Emil Jonescu, Soobeen Jo, Paris Jacobs and Gingi Engloner

Retail therapy: How retail is the ‘third space’

Harold Perks, Emil Jonescu, Soobeen Jo, Paris Jacobs and Gingi Engloner

Generally, there are three elements to modern-day life – personal life, work life and lifestyle. Retail takes place firmly within the lifestyle element, becoming our ‘third space’ commodified as an experience rather than a product transaction.

Thumbnail for the article 'Reducing aggression in emergency department waiting rooms'

Reducing aggression in emergency department waiting rooms

We know that spaces can empower or disempower people. The tipping point is often how that space is designed.

Hames Sharley’s Research team recently discovered a potential link between aggressive behaviour in Emergency Departments and spatial design, paving the way for a re-think of how these spaces are designed for clinicians, patients, visitors and the broader community.

Thumbnail for the article 'The future of intensive care units'

The future of intensive care units

Researchers have recently completed a ground-breaking study that links Intensive Care Unit (ICU) noise levels and the potential for improved patient recovery and reduced post-care trauma.

Thumbnail for the article 'A novel vertical approach to land use zoning, reserves, and infrastructure' by Emil Jonescu

A novel vertical approach to land use zoning, reserves, and infrastructure

Emil Jonescu

As the population of Perth CBD grows, and more needs are expected to be accommodated, the city is pressured to densify, embrace mixed-use, and consider alternative means by which to plan and design for CBD land use and infrastructure zoning.

Thumbnail for the article 'When mental health issues sneak up on you' by Madeleine Steele

When mental health issues sneak up on you

Sometimes you don’t realise you’re not ok until someone asks

Madeleine Steele

Mental health issues can hit you out of nowhere. It could be an ordinary day, doing something you’ve done a million times before and then… WHAM. Out of nowhere, a panic attack comes and knocks the wind right out of you. Rendering you unable to move. Unable to breathe. And you have no idea what’s happening, let alone why.

Thumbnail for the article 'Could an office move boost employee health and wellbeing?'

Could an office move boost employee health and wellbeing?

The surprising benefits of relocation.

In an effort to better understand commuter behaviour, Hames Sharley recently assessed its own employees’ commuter behaviours in response to the relocation of its new Perth studio. The research, conducted by Hames Sharley’s Emil E Jonescu, Stephen Moorcroft and Dean Symington, made a surprising conclusion – that a simple office relocation and change in mode of working has the potential to increase employee activity levels, ultimately improving health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Thumbnail for the article 'Emerging from a crisis' by Michael Wright

Emerging from a crisis

Michael Wright

Sometimes our worst experiences can be our best opportunity for growth. For Principal of People & Culture, Michael Wright, that was the case.⁠

Michael shares his mental health journey in the hopes of encouraging ongoing conversations about everyday human struggles and how these experiences help us better understand our communities and each other.⁠

Thumbnail for the article 'The importance of self-care and social connection: Lessons from living alone in lockdown' by Fiona Greatbatch

The importance of self-care and social connection: Lessons from living alone in lockdown

Fiona Greatbatch

Like many Australians, living through extended lockdowns has taken a toll on Fiona’s mental health. ⁠

Located in Victoria and currently going through lockdown number six, Fiona talks about why it’s so much harder to stay positive this time, and the lessons she’s learnt about the importance of self-care and social connections.⁠

Thumbnail for the article 'A series of fortunate events: How COVID-19 possibly saved my life' by James Edwards

A series of fortunate events: How COVID-19 possibly saved my life

James Edwards

Thanks to a global health crisis, Director and National Portfolio Leader for Education, Science & Research, James Edwards, was forced to stay in Western Australia and catch up on some rather overdue medical tests.⁠ Despite having no symptoms, In April 2020, James was diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer.⁠

Thumbnail for the article 'Don’t worry about asking if you’re ok – just start a conversation' by Alex Quin

Don’t worry about asking if you’re ok – just start a conversation

Alex Quin

Having lost a close friend to suicide, Alex Quin has experienced first-hand the devastating impact mental illness can have on a community. In a bid to honour his friend, Phil, Alex writes about the need to de-stigmatise mental illness, and how the simple art of conversation can help those suffering feel less isolated.

Thumbnail for the article 'What can the workplace learn from lockdown?'

What can the workplace learn from lockdown?

Australian design firm Hames Sharley surveyed all staff across its six studios to investigate the impact of working from home and the lessons that could be translated back into the workplace.

Thumbnail for the article 'Ritual in apartment design – the interstice' by By Iain Stewart & Tzu-Mei Stewart

Ritual in apartment design – the interstice

By Iain Stewart & Tzu-Mei Stewart

The way people interact with a building and move within its spaces, finding shelter and comfort, is essential to architecture’s concerns. The considered accommodation of our day-to-day rituals within residential settings – arriving home, the reception of guests, the family meal, conversations around the coffee table, bathing, going to bed, waking up – is what humanises a space, makes a home and shapes our identity.

Thumbnail for the article 'Embracing the local in a post-Covid world' by Trevor Wong, Graduate of Architecture

Embracing the local in a post-Covid world

Trevor Wong, Graduate of Architecture

The idea focuses on the creation of ‘inclusive, vibrant and healthy neighbourhoods’ that are readily adaptable to the changing needs of residents while keeping to this time limit.

Thumbnail for the article 'Getting back to nature'

Getting back to nature

Pressure on the environment is increasing and more than ever, there’s a need to dissipate that stress and its effect on our health. It’s the perfect time to realise the benefits of Biophilic Design…

Thumbnail for the article 'How Covid-19 is Shaping the Future of Seniors Living'

How Covid-19 is Shaping the Future of Seniors Living

Gary Mackintosh, Associate Director / Seniors Living Leader at Hames Sharley, looks at how the design of aged-care facilities must change in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Thumbnail for the article 'Doing your homework on working remote'

Doing your homework on working remote

For organisations new to or unfamiliar with running their businesses off-site, this can pose a challenge and leave many feeling unsettled. Here are some simple ways to ensure your chances of a successful transition are less…remote.

Thumbnail for the article 'Architects and engineers, R U OK?'

Architects and engineers, R U OK?

Architects and engineers rate worryingly high for risk of suicide. As part of RU OK Day on 12 September, we look at the factors behind this trend and what can be done to mitigate them.

Thumbnail for the article 'The oral history of remote Australia'

The oral history of remote Australia

For more than 20 years, Professor Marc Tennant has worked to improve the plight of Indigenous and rural Australians suffering from poor oral health. We talk to him about the early days and how sometimes the best ideas are the obvious ones…

Thumbnail for the article 'Sufficient unto the data'

Sufficient unto the data

A recent report from the BBC suggests that if at any point in the last week you’ve struggled to find a digital file on your phone or computer, you may well be guilty of digital hoarding…

Thumbnail for the article 'Respecting your elders' by Gary Mackintosh

Respecting your elders

Gary Mackintosh

Design for aged-care requires a very specific skill set. We take a look at the architectural, interior and urban design elements that need to be considered for a successful project.

Thumbnail for the article 'Stable designs'

Stable designs

Not only can design help settle your mind through creative pursuits, it can also result in products that enhance mental health in other ways. Here are five ideas that employ good design to improve mental wellbeing – from the very simple to the more complex and innovative.

Thumbnail for the article 'A blessing or a curse?'

A blessing or a curse?

We read about them with alarming regularity – from comedians and actors to writers, artists, architects and designers, lost to us by their own hand. Is there a greater risk of mental illness in creative people? And does new research have the answer?

Thumbnail for the article 'Enhancing health and wellbeing through urban design' by Chris Maher, Jason Preston and David McCarroll

Enhancing health and wellbeing through urban design

Chris Maher, Jason Preston and David McCarroll

Human behaviour is intrinsically influenced by our surroundings, and as a nation predominantly made up of city-dwellers, our urban environment contributes a major part to making us who we are. Here Chris Maher, David McCarroll and Jason Preston uncover some of the tools used by designers of the built environment to enhance health and wellbeing.

Thumbnail for the article 'Here we grow'

Here we grow

Earlier this month, the population of Australia hit the 25 million mark, with the number of migrants outpacing the number of births at a rate of almost two to one - a figure reminiscent of gold-rush days…

Thumbnail for the article 'Why cultural diversity is vital in design' by Michael Cooper

Why cultural diversity is vital in design

Michael Cooper

Cultural diversity is a critical consideration in the design sector. As our industry looks inward in an attempt to close the diversity gap, we recognise a number of advantages that a more multicultural workforce provides in enabling communities to flourish.

Thumbnail for the article 'Mitigating the potential threats of Artificial Intelligence on our cities' by Jacinta Houzer

Mitigating the potential threats of Artificial Intelligence on our cities

Jacinta Houzer

It’s predicted that robots and Artificial Intelligence will play a large part in our lives by 2025, but as anyone who’s seen a Terminator movie knows, these are exactly the kinds of technology prone to misuse or mishap. Here we investigate a report highlighting the potential use of Artificial Intelligence for malicious means.

Thumbnail for the article 'The architects of remembrance'

The architects of remembrance

War memorials are an essential part of the Australian landscape – their beauty, symbolism and the quality of materials and craftsmanship illustrates the respect that communities have towards those who have paid the ultimate price.

To mark the ANZAC day commemorations this month, we look at the story behind three examples from around the country.

Thumbnail for the article 'When design comes naturally' by Peter Schwerzel

When design comes naturally

Peter Schwerzel

Architects and designers can learn a lot from Mother Nature – Peter Schwerzel looks at biomimetics and how taking cues from the world around us can produce outstanding results.

Thumbnail for the article 'Mental illnesses described through architecture' by Michael Cooper

Mental illnesses described through architecture

Michael Cooper

Mental disorders are something that will affect most of us at some point in our lives and Spanish-based, digital artist Federico Babina has created a new project which attempts to illustrate a number of conditions through architecture.

Thumbnail for the article 'Building cultural diversity through the language we speak' by Vanessa McDaid

Building cultural diversity through the language we speak

Vanessa McDaid

It is proven that cultural diversity adds to the bottom line. The benefits of cultural diversity are many: improved decision-making, increased collaboration, better problem-solving, enhanced well-being and knowledge sharing, to name a few. But what does it look like in a real workplace?

Thumbnail for the article 'Feel good shopping: How retail architecture and interior design can improve wellness' by Vanessa McDaid with Jane Sorby and Iain Stewart

Feel good shopping: How retail architecture and interior design can improve wellness

Vanessa McDaid with Jane Sorby and Iain Stewart

When was the last time you went to a beautifully designed building and felt drawn to your surroundings in a way that made you feel better? Because the space spoke to you, ushered in relief, engaged your senses, enhanced within you a sense of… wellness? We investigate ‘The Architecture of Happiness’...

Thumbnail for the article 'Begging for a better solution' by Kate Fuller

Begging for a better solution

Kate Fuller

The increase in homelessness has led to a rise in begging leaving cities asking the question, what is the best solution to street begging?