The Physical Environment and Wellbeing: Looking Ahead

There are several sources of evidence demonstrating that the physical environment impacts directly and indirectly in our lives. Both positive and negative impacts of the physical environment have been observed in our health and wellbeing. Thus, to understand this relationship is crucial to prevent negative impacts and accelerate positive ones. In this regard, this paper presents a summary of the research findings of two research projects looking into the links between environment and wellbeing. The purpose of this paper is to present evidence about the impacts of the physical environment on wellbeing as well as trends related to the physical environment so that future scenarios can be explored. The research method used was an extensive literature review. Additionally, a workshop was organised in order to better understand the major trends and related drivers in the physical environment that could impact wellbeing over the next 20 years. Research findings demonstrate that there is a considerable amount of evidence linking the physical environment to wellbeing despite the lack of clarity in relation to cause-effect relationships. Moreover, 10 trends and drivers related to the physical environment were identified and considered as impacting on wellbeing.