wellbeing
Workplace
Softness balanced with boldness in Technē’s lobby fitness fit-out
The very first SFIDI fitness and wellness centre is a cutting-edge interior architecture fit-out designed to add impactful new life to the lobby of Melbourne’s Rialto Towers.
Project
A vertical hospital shaped by Country and community
At Peninsula University Hospital, a people-centric design approach brings together healthcare, culture and landscape — redefining the experience of care on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
Project
Wellbeing at its best
Éthos by Biasol in Brighton reimagines the wellness clinic with sculptural interiors, rich materials and a calm, immersive experience.
Project
One Two Five by Hub expands flexible work in Perth
A 10,000-square-metre flagship by Hub Australia and Hassell at Brookfield Place reframes the co-working office as a hybrid of workplace, events venue and lifestyle destination.
Project
Wellness architecture serving up residential-level craftsmanship
In their first major commercial project to date, Woodward Architects brings a bespoke sense of craft and material authenticity to this wellness destination in Balgowlah.
Ideas
Five years on: What The Pacifica taught us about vertical living
Designed by Plus Studio for Hengyi, The Pacifica reveals how climate-aware design, shared amenity and ground-plane thinking can reshape vertical living in Auckland.
Project
Mangrove garden: Bean Buro reimagines corporate culture in Hong Kong
Bean Buro transforms a financial office into a biophilic workplace using local art, hospitality design and wellbeing-driven spaces.
News
Connecting people and place
A research exhibition reimagines St Kilda’s civic spaces through soft infrastructures that enhance wellbeing and urban experience.
News
The Mill: Where architecture meets athletic performance
Warren and Mahoney’s The Mill in Queenstown blends architecture, wellbeing and landscape, creating a transparent training facility.
Ideas
Reimagining urban life through nature
In Naturalizing Architecture, Takada moves beyond biomimicry to propose a regenerative vision for the urban environment.
Articles
Soothing sound in the interior environment
In contemporary interiors, ensuring a sense of comfort and wellbeing means designing and specifying finishes and products that support all the senses.
News
Australian Furniture Design Award 2026 registrations open
Stylecraft and NGV call for furniture and lighting designs addressing small-space living, with $20,000 prize and commercial development opportunity.
Workplace
The changing workplace and why it demands good design
With Steelcase having reopened its refreshed WorkLife Showroom in Singapore this year, we spoke to Navedita Shergill about some key workplace macro shifts identified in their research.
Project
Retirement living that feels “grounded, adaptable and unapologetically architectural”
Designed by DKO, the latest Ingenia Lifestyle Element resident clubhouses at Fullerton Cove and Natura at Port Stephens focus on the lifestyle needs of a changing over-55s demographic.
Workplace
Adaptive reuse secures new life for Brisbane Therapy Centre
Jesse Lockhart-Krause, Director of Lockhart-Krause Architects, tells us about a storied building in Queensland that has now become a functional workplace for a therapy centre.
Workplace
WORKTECH25 Sydney with Architectus
Architectus Principals Simone Oliver and Patricia Bondin are set to speak at WORKTECH Sydney this year, so we asked them for some sneaky early insights on workplace design.
Project
Growing space: grovve by FARM and WY-TO reimagines youth wellness with design empathy
grovve sets a new benchmark in youth mental wellness design – an empathetic, biophilic sanctuary where mental wellbeing is nurtured through choice, comfort and co-creation.
Events
Highlights from Stockholm Design Week 2025
From bio-based innovations to circular design, this year’s fair redefined the role of materials in shaping the future of interiors as sustainable materials and a thoughtful approach to the impact of design on our world took centre stage.
Workplace
Wingates sets the legal grounds for Anthony Harper
In this New Zealand workplace design by Wingates, Anthony Harper were “keen to evolve their working environment as the world evolves as well.”
Ideas
Comment: Designing for community harmony in mixed-use urban renewal
“The primary objective is to mitigate noise at the source” – this comment piece by Daniele Albanese, Head of Acoustics APAC, Cundall delves into how this pre-emptive solution can be soundly integrated.
Project
Fabulous Fanuli reinvigorated by RIZEN
RIZEN Atelier has created an exceptional retail experience for Fanuli that shines a bright light on all things design.
Events
Sustainability Summit Panel #4 – Building Healthy Homes for Wellbeing
Health and wellbeing have become key pillars in modern residential building design. As more people recognise the importance of living in spaces that promote physical and mental health, architects and builders are prioritising features that enhance wellbeing.
Project
Shangchen Bathhouse is a sensory exploration of wellbeing
Shangchen Bathhouse, conceived by Wei Zhixue for WUXING YOUXING SPACE DESIGN, goes beyond problem-solving, delving into the infinite possibilities of sensory exploration.
Project
Radiating warmth and wellness in Byron Bay
Comma Byron is a bathhouse where wellness and creativity converge in a space that anticipates every need and sparks the senses.
Project
Cox Architecture’s new Adelaide studio unveiled
Cox Architecture is proud to showcase its new Adelaide home at 57 Wyatt Street, nestled in the heart of the CBD.
Ideas
Hassell and GBCA on social value in the built environment
Building on a recent research paper, Helen Bell and Dr Brett Pollard discuss how social value is defined, its potential pitfalls, and why it matters.
Ideas
Five guides to address wellbeing woes in architecture
Researchers have created a series of guides to support wellbeing for architects, after a survey found architecture workers had a lower-than-average quality of life compared with Australia’s general working population.
News
BLP marks $658m healthcare project milestone in Sydney
BLP announces the topping out of Health Infrastructure’s $658m Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre building.
Workplace
Sydney Water’s rejuvenated headquarters is an urban watering hole designed by GroupGSA
Drawing on the concept of a watering hole as a gathering place in nature, GroupGSA has rejuvenated Sydney Water’s headquarters located in Parramatta.
Project
Harmony and healing in mental health design with Hassell
Caring for our mental health is paramount these days and architecture and design can lead the way as Hassell shows in its latest project in Queensland.
Ideas
Tilt’s Tim Phillips on technology and the essence of industrial design
We spoke with Tilt’s Managing and Creative Director about industrial design, innovative technology and wellbeing within education spaces.
Ideas
“Life extends far beyond the office”: McGregor Coxall’s nine-day fortnight
The multidisciplinary design practice recently announced a nine-day fortnight working policy. We find out more in this Q&A.
Project
Exploring Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park with Anna Vivian
We hear from the GA Group Marketing Executive about how the neighbouring forest reserve, local culture, art and sustainability create a unique boutique hotel with a sense of place.
Project
Total luxury at ACME’s newly opened Brisbane health club
Designed by ACME, Brisbane’s Total Fusion Platinum aims to set a new benchmark in luxury living and fitness facilities in Brisbane.
Events
WY-TO on well-being for all in tropical cities of the future
In a time of climate emergency, how can cities support and balance the needs of their people and the planet, while ensuring their prosperity?
Ideas
T.C.L comment: Unlocking the potential of Brisbane’s creek catchments
Deb Robbins, T.C.L Brisbane Studio principal, shares her vision for a series of catchment ‘corridors’ to unify the city.
Furniture
Natural Habitat: The biophilic office with Adam Cornish and District
Adam Cornish and District present Habitat, where nature and the indoors perfectly align for the workplace.
Events
Buildings Breakthrough at COP28: Q&A with David Ness
UniSA Professor David Ness played a key role in a UN report on CO2 emissions relating to buildings, construction and urban growth which underpins the Buildings Breakthrough official launch at COP28 in Dubai.
Ideas
What can we learn from the ‘Blue Zones’ as we strive to live longer and age well?
A specialist in senior living, Dr YE Ng of Architectus Conrad Gargett draws on research into the ‘Blue Zones’ – regions worldwide where people have the longest lifespans – to offer insights into the key ingredients to create places for ageing well.
Products
Milliken releases the world’s first self-sanitising carpet, MGUARD+
Milliken Flooring Covering (ANZ) has recently launched the world’s first carpet tile that is effective against the COVID virus and various bacteria. It’s a self-sanitising carpet that is set to revolutionise how we manage and maintain hygiene in our everyday environments.
Workplace
GroupGSA’s Sydney fit-out wins at the Polytec Design Awards 2023
GroupGSA has been named national winner, Polytec’s highest design honour, for an enthralling commercial fit-out which spotlights Australian talent and craftsmanship.
Workplace
Gray Puksand comment: Brand your building!
In this opinion piece, Francesca Moccia, senior associate at Gray Puksand, makes the case for understanding buildings as commodities.
NSW
Tasman Gallery: A work of art on the art of work
In Byron Bay, a former storage shed has been transformed by a visionary architect who has created a place of sanctuary for both art and work.
News
“A new landmark for the city”: Bowler James Brindley on W Sydney
As the prominent and highly anticipated Darling Harbour hotel opens, we bring you the in-depth design insights from the UK interiors practice.
Ideas
“Health precincts are about embracing diversity and a holistic approach”: Ben Rees
Health precincts are complicated, multi-dimensional places to develop, design, deliver and operate, writes Hassell’s Ben Rees. So, “how do we balance commercial imperatives with the need to foster connection, community and wellbeing?”
Ideas
Bates Smart comment: Can city-making inform hospital design?
From third spaces to connections with the urban realm, Alison Huynh shares her vision for healthy hospital design.
Project
BLP appointed lead architect for Queensland’s Bundaberg Hospital
Billard Leece Partnership will lead the architectural design of Queensland’s new Bundaberg Hospital, tipped to be a significant step forward in the state’s health infrastructure development.
VIC
Elegance, luxury and deep restoration at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa
Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is all fire and ice: essential yet monumental, discrete yet indulgent. The project has been shortlisted at this year’s INDE.Awards in The Health and Wellbeing Space category – the wellness journey is yours for the taking.
News
5 interior ideas that put your pet’s wellbeing first
With hybrid working taking over day-to-day work life, it’s becoming more important to accommodate your beloved pet, by incorporating thoughtful design elements – or indeed shaping your entire space – to prioritise your pet’s wellbeing.
Events
Technogym Run: Versatility, technology and no shortage of style in home fitness
The Technogym Run, a new entrant in the home fitness landscape, combines advanced technology, diverse training modes and interactivity in a single package. This versatile treadmill could significantly enhance the scope and quality of home workouts, as well as complementing any stylish space.
NSW
Best practice in animal welfare: BARC by Sam Crawford Architects
Considered and humane, BARC sets a new benchmark in pet management that considers all aspects of both the relinquishing and adoption of pets. It’s a Sydney project that meets the international benchmark of animal wellbeing design.
NSW
Welcome to Hospital Street: BLP realises Campbelltown award-winning expansion
The $632 million Stage 2 Campbelltown Hospital Redevelopment in south-west Sydney realises the latest thinking around healthcare and healing environments. Campbelltown Hospital campus is almost doubled in size in Billard Leece Partnership’s (BLP) award-winning integrated design.
Project
Comment: Fender Katsalidis principal Jessica Lee on the three biggest trends in aged care design
In this comment piece written by Jessica Lee, talks us through the standout trends in designing for aged care.
Project
The pursuit of anti-ageing and wellbeing, at Saint Haven
Gurner Group has just opened its first Australian Saint Haven private wellness club, boasting facilities, client services and an ethos that promotes wellness, anti-ageing and bio hacking. We took the private tour.
VIC
Splinter Society brings luxury to the edge of the lagoon at Metung Hot Springs
Sitting lightly in the landscape overlooking the Gippsland lakes, about half way along the eastern coast of Victoria, Metung Hot Springs takes full advantage of the unique geographical connection between the mountains and sea at the confluence of three alpine rivers.
Project
Club AM:PM by Made For provides a thorough wellness welcome
In its new design for Club AM:PM, Made For has delivered a sophisticated, minimalist interior where the emphasis is well and truly on wellness.
Project
Silver Thomas Hanley on healthcare: Design brief, but with emotion
STH’s Anna Fox, Bill Kaloudis, Natalie Pitt and Stuart Turk put forward the case for emotionally responsive design with reference to healthcare projects that prioritise safety, views and space among other things.
Project
Waterside Buddhist Shrine stretches around nature
This Buddhist temple by Beijing firm, Archstudio, is innately tied to the delicate and changeable nature of its natural surrounds. Its architecture even stretches between and around trees.
Project
Woods Bagot comment: ‘People-centric care’ sounds obvious, but we’re stuck in a system
In this comment piece on healthcare design, Edwina Bennett, associate principal at Woods Bagot, asserts that it’s time to prioritise people with new ways of organising our health spaces.
Workplace
Good design is the solution to resenteeism and employee wellbeing
Future X Collective co-founder and managing/creative director at Futurespace, Angela Ferguson, comments on the phenomenon of resenteeism. Good design is at the heart of the solution.
Events
Holistic, not hedonistic: Meet Technogym’s Nerio Alessandri as he lands in Australia
To mark 40 years of design excellence, founder and CEO Nerio Alessandri recently came to Sydney. We spoke to the Italian design icon at a bustling event at Technogym’s Ruschutters Bay showroom.
Project
Monumental and intimate: John Wardle Architects in Ballarat
As featured in Indesign issue #87, the centre for civic life in Ballarat is a complex project that delivers a community hub, workspaces and an architectural destination.
Project
HUMANSA Hong Kong: A new way to health and wellbeing in the busy city
A new destination in Hong Kong provides all that is required to support health and wellbeing. PANORAMA Design Group has created a wonderful environment that is anything but ordinary.
Project
The 7 leaders of wellbeing in 2022
From gyms, hotels and beauty salons to the workplace, Indesign with Elana Castle surveys the future of wellbeing design. Read this comprehensive report, led by 7 inspiring international examples of wellbeing in 2022.
Ideas
Scott Alterator on designing learning environments
Architects are re-evaluating how to design learning environments for the future. Melbourne-based education consultant and qualitative researcher Scott Alterator works with design teams to create highly functional education settings through a collaborative consultation process, resulting in student-centric environments that bring the best out of all end users.
Workplace
Do architects feel well at work? The answer may surprise you
Did you know, people working in architecture have a significantly lower-than-average quality of life compared with Australian norms? Byron Kinnaird, a research fellow at Monash University for The Wellbeing of Architects project, reports on some the project’s most startling findings.
Project
Creating that “butterfly moment” – Arent&Pyke’s design for Vida Glow
With Vida Glow, taking your supplements feels like an indulgence. The brand has recently worked with Arent&Pyke to execute its beautiful and lush Sydney headquarters. We take you through this “butterfly moment” with Sarah-Jane Pyke.
Ideas
Wellness-driven cities can be an antidote to loneliness
What makes a healthy town centre in 2022? HDR director, Alex Wessling, comments on how important it is for architects to place wellness at the very centre of neighbourhood and town centre design.
Project
Bold new business: Biasol’s latest wellness project
Insight Body and Mind, a new multidisciplinary studio focused on holistic wellbeing in Melbourne, offers a sensory design experience. It is the place to go to review, revitalise, regenerate and refresh – all in the most beautiful surroundings.
Workplace
A hub of flexibility: Bates Smart designs Hub Australia’s newest co-working space
With a new emphasis on luxury, Hub Wynyard in Sydney accommodates hybrid working in a fit out that strongly connects with the city.
Project
6 gyms that have had their own glow up
With 6 gyms that span from the corporate, to private, to the futuristic, working out has never felt so good.
Project
McBride Charles Ryan: Engaging students, embracing growth
McBride Charles Ryan looks ‘outside the box’ with its designs. Colourful and engaging, many of the practice’s award-winning designs can be found at Penleigh & Essendon Grammar School’s campuses.
Project
INDE.Awards 2022 winners announced!
The auditorium was full, the vibe electric and the winners truly outstanding last night at the INDE.Awards Gala. Scroll the Indo Pacific’s most outstanding projects and people, here.
Project
Bold beauty: Made For’s Bali Body fit-out
Made For has brought refinement and relaxation to a dilapidated warehouse in Brighton, Melbourne, that brings Bali Body into an era of beauty and space.
Project
Herculean effort: A new paradigm for fitness design
Created as a place to enhance daily workout life, Hercules Fitness is anything but your average gym.
Magazine
It’s here, and healthy: Indesign’s ‘State of Wellbeing’ issue is now out
Indesign magazine’s ‘State of Wellbeing’ issue is now on sale. Editor Alice Blackwood shares the very human-led highlights that are enlivening conversations around healthcare and wellbeing in design.
Project
Where we swim: Liquid Blu’s aquatic culture
With a portfolio that extends from Hobart to Darwin and everywhere in between, Liquid Blu has played a key role in the development of Australia’s aquatic culture.
Project
Technology meets wellness in Charter Hall x Cox Architecture’s 130 Lonsdale Street
As questions around the meaning of a 9-to-5 workplace continue to arise, Charter Hall and Cox look towards technology and wellbeing for the solution.
Project
A calming, collaborative office for Cigna by Bean Buro
Design firm Bean Buro turned to abstract environmental artworks for inspiration for a project it has dubbed the ‘Green Office’.
Articles
UCI takes the lead with (certified) sit-to-stand workstations
New Australian Standards for Office Desks & Workstations have been released, and UCI is miles ahead with two certified sit-to-stand workstations – the only Australian supplier to do so.
People
Bates Smart’s Mark Healey on normalising the clinical environment
Bates Smart studio director Mark Healey has carved out a unique CV having worked on some of Australia’s best healthcare projects, alongside multi-res and commercial work. Here he opens up about the latest design thinking behind our changing healthcare landscape.
Articles
The evolution of ‘modularity’: How commercial furniture systems are responding to new professional behaviours
According to Matt Newell of Business Interiors, “Too often, modularity is seen as a ‘piece of furniture’.” How is the commercial sector reimagining this?
Ideas
Taking Care of Business: Ergonomics, Explained
Ergonomics has taken workplaces around the world by storm. Is it a mere fad, or actually an area worth investing in? We crunch the numbers to find out.
Articles
3 surprising ways to improve ocular health while working
Digital eye strain during work has become the new normal, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Mindfulness aside, ergonomics could be one of the key solutions to improving ocular health. Humanscale has answers.
Articles
Learn from the best with Humanscale Consulting
Humanscale’s Ergonomic Consulting assists organisations with the development and implementation of cost-effective ergonomics programs. Here we discover their unique approach to improving wellbeing at work.
Articles
Is there a ‘secret’ to sitting? Do you know the latest ergonomic innovations? We ask the experts: Humanscale
Thanks to advances in technology and new working behaviours taking place across the world, the discipline of ergonomics continues to evolve. Here we talk to the ergonomic experts at Humanscale Consulting to find out how improved ergonomics is creating a new culture of best practice.
Articles
How did we get here? A brief recent history of seating design
Ergonomics and product design – especially in the commercial sector – has always had a strong relationship, but how does ergonomics push the possibilities of design?
Articles
Why is it important for brands to invest in R+D?
Our industry now understands the value of data, science, and the importance of supporting the wellbeing and health of the end-user. But what is the value of R+D to the ‘best practice’ of design?
Articles
Sit Well, Work Well, Feel Well: Meet FERN!
Wellbeing has definitely taken over the working world – with many brands now investing millions into research and development to improve our overall health. One design in particular has really taken this a step further … meet FERN!
Articles
The Solution to High Traffic Bathrooms
In redesigning London’s Queen Mary University restrooms, usual design concerns of style and function had to be placed alongside the fact that a university washroom is a particularly high traffic area; enter Corian.
Project
Wellness In The Workplace With Frasers Property By BVN
Businesses can thrive when workers are healthy, happy and productive. The new Frasers Property head office by BVN implements a subtle and overt design program to better promote wellbeing, innovation and leadership.
Articles
Are You Sitting? Stop!
The drive for better health across the commercial sector has one big hurdle to surpass: sitting. How can A+D get us up off our seats?