Healthy Space & Design
The spaces in which we live and work can impact our workplace performance, daily habits, and overall well-being. The Columbia University Well-Being Design Principles and the University’s Ergonomics Program support work spaces that enhance musculoskeletal health and workplace performance.
Columbia University Well-Being Design Principles
The Columbia University Well-Being Design Principles offer guidance to schools and departments interested in the design and redesign of new and existing spaces, on both large and small scales. The Principles and their corresponding Design Application Concepts address the following well-being themes:
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Formation of meaningful connections and relationships
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Movement, ergonomic comfort, and accessibility
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Concentration, mindfulness, and rejuvenation
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Learning, collaboration, and mentoring
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Sustainability and connection to nature
Design Principles Research and Background
The Office of Work/Life convened the Wellness Advisory Committee and the Computer Workstation Ergonomics Working Group, comprised of faculty and staff, to gather insights on eight dimensions of human well-being from individual and organizational perspectives. Analysis of workshop inputs, literature review, and consultation of building standards and certifications led to the development of the Columbia University Well-Being Design Principles.
For more information about these principles and implementation in your building or department, contact the Office of Work/Life.
Design Strategies to Enhance Well-Being
Biophilic design enhances well-being by creating opportunities to experience humankind’s innate biological connection with nature.
Exposure to natural daylighting and views improves health, cognitive function, and productivity.
Encourage collaboration, teamwork, and mentoring through design levers for sharing knowledge, content, and work in process.
Acoustic comfort has significant impacts on health, productivity, and workplace satisfaction.
See the Healthier Columbia Food and Beverage Initiative for recommendations and resources to support healthy and sustainable food and beverages in various food environments.
Columbia’s Ergonomics Program offers workshop, sweeps, and other services to optimize workstation setup.
Ergonomics Program
CUHR’s Ergonomics Program is available to help employees maximize comfort, health and safety at work, while ensuring equipment and facilities support efficiency for the Columbia community.
The Office of Work/Life partners with CUHR to offer the following:
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Ergonomic workshops across campus each semester
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Ergonomic workshops for schools and departments with various needs, including office ergonomics, lab ergonomics, and faculty ergonomics
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Ergonomic sweeps for schools or departments
Columbia University Resources
Access these additional programs and resources provided by Work/Life and other divisions across the University.
Explore Columbia University Facilities resources for space planning and design requirements.
Find out how The Healthier Columbia Food and Beverage Initiative offers resources to support healthy and sustainable food and beverages in Columbia’s diverse food environment, including vending machines, meetings & events, and cafes.
Learn all about CUHR’s Ergonomics Program, available to help employees maximize comfort, health and safety at work, while ensuring equipment and facilities support efficiency for the Columbia community.
External Resources
Looking for more? Here are resources outside of Columbia.
Explore the WELL Building StandardTM (WELLTM), a global rating system focused on enhancing health and wellness through buildings and communities.
Learn all about Fitwel, a building certification system to improve health outcomes developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the General Services Administration (GSA) and is operated by the Center for Active Design (CfAD).
Check Harvard’s Healthy Buildings Program to gain information and insight about optimizing built environments for health.