The Art of Behaviour

nudging towards healthy habits

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

M. den Heeten Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

R.R.J. van de Pas Public Building and Housing Design (mentor)
P.M.M. Stoutjesdijk Architectural Technology - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
E.J. van der Zaag Architectural Technology - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2023 Myrthe den Heeten
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Published Date

17-01-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

This research aims to encourage healthy behaviour within the built environment using a technique called nudging. Mostly used outside of the field of architecture, nudging aims to improve health by presenting options in such a way people a more likely to choose one option (a healthier alternative), without losing any freedom of choice.

To allow architects and urban designers to improve user health a framework was developed that proposes design elements. These elements aim to improve health by promoting healthy social, mental and physical behaviour. Examples are healthy food options, signage towards staircases instead of elevators, communal spaces, materiality and much more.

The graduation design explored how user health within architecture can be promoted using the proposed framework. The design project itself focuses not only on improving mental, social and physical health for the inhabitants but also on how a building can be valuable as a health centre in it's neighborhood. This is done whitin an existing context of a rehabilitation clinic in Amsterdam West.