Mira Abdalla
Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning, Master of Architecture︎
#HealthbyDesign is ...
Health is having the ability to live life to its fullest with your mind, body, and soul supporting that full life rather than impeding the experience in any way. As discussed in our first
class, we seldom think about health as the absence of sickness. It is so much more than that. “Healthy” is a multifaceted state of being. A healthy mind thinks clearly without any anxieties, depression, or other ailments hindering its peak function. A healthy body allows us to explore,
imagine, create, and rest without causing us any pain. A healthy soul - an aspect much more prioritized in Eastern than Western cultures - is one in which the soul is spiritually fulfilled, grounded, and at peace, not aimlessly searching for meaning and satisfaction in every passing object.
It is rare for a human being to ever really be 100% “healthy” by this standard - perhaps impossible. However, health is a spectrum, and most people do not need to be perfect to
function well. There are many ways in which humans think they are functioning perfectly until they realize it could be better - such as if someone switches to better walking shoes or changes to a better diet. Health is a measure which allows us to constantly aim for the best possible experience of living in our mind, body, and soul - while still being content with our lives knowing that perfect is not possible.
Design is shaping life through creativity. I think of design as art that is functional, and ends up playing an active role in human (or other species’) life. Whether it is architectural design, interiordesign, or product design - when we design something, we shape something or somewhere which people will interact with, use, or fill with life in some way. As a designer of the built environment, I design three dimensional environments which I hope will empower its users to
live life to their fullest. In this way - design and health have a very important connection to me. Health encompasses all
the internal factors which allow you to live a fulfilling life, such as your mind, body, and soul. Design shapes the external factors which allow you to live said fulfilling life, such as your home, bed, car, clothing, and everything else you encounter daily.When we design with health in mind, we help humans achieve the best versions of their lives. We can design spaces that encourage movement and healthy eating, that engage and relax themind, and that give space for pause and nourishment of the soul. We can help unlock new levels of health and wellness that may not have seemed possible. We can create thermal, visual, and auditory comfort and we can shape environments conducive to sleep or work. The possibilities are endless when we recognize the role architecture plays in how humans interact with the world and thus how their lives play out.
Feature Project
︎The Fridge Chef
︎SCREEN