Top 3 Wellness Trends Shaping the Built Environment
Posted in Insights -

As commercial real estate evolves, wellness is no longer a bonus – it’s a baseline. Tenants, buyers, and investors increasingly demand spaces that promote physical, mental, and emotional health.
Today, three wellness trends are leading the charge: biophilic and regenerative design, neuro-inclusive spaces, and climate-resilient, health-optimized systems.
Here’s what’s driving these shifts – and how they’re transforming the way we build.
1. Biophilic & Regenerative Design
Mounting evidence links exposure to natural elements with reduced stress, improved mood, and better cognitive performance. Remote work and a growing desire for connection – both human and ecological – are pushing nature-based design to the forefront. At the same time, regenerative design is gaining ground as developers and architects aim to go beyond sustainability by actively restoring ecosystems and communities.
How is this being applied in the real world? Developers and design firms are using local and natural materials, as we do in many of our projects; integrating the outdoors with the indoors through gardens, green roofs, and natural light; incorporating water features that provide a sense of calm; choosing ecological landscaping that supports pollinators and native species; and including spaces that are designed to support not just occupant wellness, but environmental renewal.
Biophilic and regenerative strategies create environments that tenants want to spend time in, boosting satisfaction and long-term retention. They also align with sustainability goals, making projects more attractive to institutional investors.
2. Neuro-Inclusive & Brain-Friendly Design
Workplaces, residential buildings, and community spaces are increasingly being held to higher standards of mental wellness and accessibility. The rise of neurodiversity awareness – spanning autism, ADHD, PTSD, and sensory processing differences – has prompted a rethinking of traditional design norms. At the same time, cognitive performance and mental health are being prioritized in building programming.
Some design strategies toward this end include circadian lighting systems that mimic natural day/night cycles, flexible quiet zones and sensory-friendly spaces, acoustic insulation and visual clarity, intuitive wayfinding and low-stimulation zones, and options for personal environmental control (e.g., light, noise, scent).
These designs help reduce cognitive fatigue, improve mood, and make spaces more inclusive for a wide range of users. For developers, this translates to more adaptable and attractive environments, particularly for employers seeking to support employee well-being or families prioritizing mental health at home.
3. AI-Integrated Spaces for Well-Being
The convergence of AI, wearable tech, and building systems is creating a new era of responsive environments. (Our Aquarius Interactive® AI technology is an excellent example in the retail/entertainment space.) As tenants increasingly expect personalized, health-supporting spaces – especially in hybrid work and wellness-focused living – AI is stepping in to deliver real-time adaptability.
This trend is taking the form of smart lighting and HVAC systems that respond to biometric and environmental data; digital twins that simulate wellness outcomes before and after occupancy; wearable-connected spaces that adjust temperature, sound, or light based on user needs; and nudging systems that promote movement, hydration, or rest for better focus and mood.
AI-integrated wellness tools create spaces that feel personalized and intuitive – driving tenant satisfaction, reducing operational inefficiencies, and offering developers an innovative edge. As the tech becomes more scalable and privacy concerns are addressed, expect to see these systems move from luxury to mainstream adoption.
With wellness continuing to shape the future of design and development, the built environment is being reimagined not just as a backdrop to life, but as an active contributor to human health and performance. From nature-infused regenerative spaces to neuro-inclusive environments and AI-powered personalization, these trends reflect a deeper shift: wellness is no longer an amenity – it’s an expectation. For developers and designers, embracing these innovations isn’t just good for people; it’s a smart, future-proof investment in the longevity, appeal, and impact of every project.