Muse Architects Achieves RIBA Chartered Practice Status Muse Architects is pleased to announce that we are now a RIBA Chartered Practice. RIBA Chartered Practices are required to meet strict criteria to ensure the highest level of quality, which is the hallmark of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Achieving this status demonstrates Muse Architects’ commitment to quality, and we are delighted to reach this milestone. We maintain a high level of control over our work and have a written statement on all policies, which is available upon request. As an RIBA Chartered Practice, we are required to: Employ a minimum number of individual RIBA Chartered Architects Maintain appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance Operate an effective Quality Management system Implement Health and Safety policies Operate Environmental Management policies Uphold Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies Conduct ourselves in accordance with the RIBA Code of Practice About Muse We are your Residential and Commercial Architects. At Muse Architects, we offer a wide range of local architectural services to clients in Manchester and beyond. From building control in Manchester to office design project management, our team of experienced architects has the skills and expertise to handle any project. Whether you’re looking for commercial building architects or residential architects near you, we’re here to help. As local architects, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of designing buildings in Manchester. We specialise in Manchester residential architect services and work closely with clients to create beautiful, functional spaces. Our 3D property visualisation services, including 3D visualisation for city planning and interior design, are designed to help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about how Muse Architects can help you achieve your architectural goals. For more information about the RIBA and working with an architect, please visit: www.architecture.com/working-with-an-architect.

The Effects of Architecture and Interior Design on Mental Health Architects and interior designers are increasingly recognising that architectural and interior designs can significantly affect mental health. This emerging field, known as neuro-architecture, explores how environments can positively influence the mental well-being of their inhabitants. In this post, we will examine the effects of architectural planning and interior design on mental health. The Effects of Good Architectural Planning on Humans Our senses, thoughts, emotions, and daily actions are all interconnected with our environment. The air we breathe, the quality of light, noise levels, and overall interior design play crucial roles in our mental state. Understanding these interactions can help create spaces that enhance mental health and well-being. Create Calm Areas In a chaotic world, your home should be a sanctuary of calm. Design spaces that minimise digital distractions and promote tranquillity. Allow Enough Light Natural light is vital for maintaining your body’s natural rhythms. Daylight is more beneficial than electric light, so consider window placement, furniture layout, and shading in your architectural plans. Position large windows in frequently used rooms and, if you work from home, place your desk near a window to maximise natural light. Be Minimal While embracing daylight is essential, it’s also important to manage light and darkness effectively. Ensuring the right amount of darkness at night can positively impact your mood and sleep patterns. Keep screens out of your bedroom to promote better sleep. Shut Out the Noise Sound can affect your mood and concentration. Regulate noise in your home by placing doors on rooms where you need quiet, and use soft furnishings and artwork to absorb sound. Connect with Natures thrive on interaction with nature. Studies show that patients with views of nature recover more quickly than those without. Incorporate large windows for natural views, and consider adding water features like fountains or ponds to enhance your connection with the natural world. Clear the Clutter Clutter can lead to overstimulation and distraction. Plan for effective storage solutions when designing your home, and declutter regularly to maintain a peaceful environment. Conclusion Your mental health and well-being are vital, and the architecture and design of your home play significant roles in this. Your home should serve as a relaxing retreat after a long day and a conducive space for productivity if you work from home. By incorporating thoughtful architectural and interior design elements, you can positively impact your mental health. Remember, health is wealth, and that includes your mental well-being. For further information on this topic, visit the RIBA website: Mental Health and Architecture. Additionally, we recommend the book Happy by Design by Ben Channon, which you can find here.

Designing for a Post-COVID World By Mo Muse For a generation that has never experienced a global crisis affecting every aspect of our lives, terms like self-isolation, vaccination, herd immunity, and social distancing have suddenly become part of our daily vocabulary. As designers, we are left wondering: what comes after the COVID-19 pandemic? How do we design for this new reality, and where do we begin? The challenges we face today have never been more pronounced. In just a few weeks, COVID-19 has become a horror story reminiscent of films like Wolfgang Petersen’s Outbreak (1995) and Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion (2011). I often find myself questioning the state of the world and what we, as designers, can do to help. While sustainability, global warming, and pollution have long been concerns, this crisis has intensified our need to reflect on our use of natural resources. However, I believe it is time to take a step back and evaluate things rationally. Every problem has a solution, and every obstacle can be designed around. The pressing question for those of us in the built environment is how we can leverage smart design and technology to mitigate the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Importance of Community As humans, we do not live in isolation. Our actions affect others, and we are all interconnected. We have repeatedly shown our ability to adapt and innovate in the face of challenges. Throughout history, humans have redesigned cities and buildings to cope with crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. Historical Context Historically, urban redesign has responded to health crises. For example, in 1853, Georges-Eugène Haussmann was commissioned to redesign Paris, improving environmental hygiene and living conditions. His work brought light and air to the city, creating public spaces and ensuring access to clean water. If a person dedicates enough energy to finding solutions, they can achieve remarkable goals. In architecture, design solutions must aim to improve the quality of life and cultural experiences of residents. The post-COVID-19 architecture must prioritise human comfort and happiness in all structures, whether they are airports, offices, or homes. Key Principles for Future Design As architects and designers, we should establish key principles when designing our environments post-pandemic. These include: Energy Efficiency: Buildings should be energy-generating and self-sufficient, using low-carbon materials and maintaining low running costs. Projects like BedZED demonstrate the viability of energy-efficient living. Zero Waste and Water Waste: Implementing zero waste principles protects health and promotes sustainability. Encouraging communities to reuse and recycle is essential. Multipurpose Adaptable Spaces: The modern lifestyle demands adaptable spaces that can serve multiple functions. Examples include The Forks in Winnipeg, which combines various activities in a single public area. Urban Farming: The pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in our supply chains. Encouraging local food production through urban farming can enhance self-sufficiency and resilience. Smart Materials: Using innovative materials like Totomoxtle and Dekton can enhance health and comfort while reducing environmental impact. Human-Centred Phenomenological Architecture: As we spend more time indoors, it’s crucial to create meaningful and rich experiences in our living spaces, drawing on concepts from phenomenology to enhance our interaction with environments. Mental Health Principles in Architecture: There is growing awareness of how architecture impacts mental health. Buildings should foster happiness and productivity, as discussed in Ben Channon’s book Happy by Design. Movement and Travel The pandemic has transformed our understanding of travel for work and leisure. As many companies adopt remote work, we must consider how we will travel in a post-COVID world. High population density, while efficient, poses challenges for public health during pandemics. Designing density transition zones can help manage population density while optimising the use of existing services. This approach allows for sustainable growth without sacrificing comfort. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic may not be the last natural disaster we face, but it has opened our eyes to new ways of living and thinking. The challenges we encounter lead to innovative solutions, and we must adapt our designs to support a future that prioritises human well-being. As architects, our role is to ask the right questions, explore design options, and create environments that enhance lives. The path forward involves embracing sustainability, energy efficiency, and flexible design to add value to our clients’ investments and improve our cities.