Work For Humans Psychological Design: How Environments Predict Our Psychology, Behavior, and Ability to Thrive | Jan Golembiewski, Revisited
Jan 6, 2026
Jan Golembiewski, an architectural researcher specializing in the psychology of built environments, joins the hosts for an enlightening discussion. He explains salutogenic design, emphasizing how spaces can foster health and resilience. Jan critiques conventional architecture that prioritizes profit over livability and discusses how thoughtful design can improve lives in various settings, from workplaces to dementia care. He shares insights on creating environments that nourish while providing meaningful choices, demonstrating the profound impact of design on human well-being.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Salutogenesis Reframes Health Through Design
- Salutogenesis focuses on creating environments that extend what makes people healthy rather than only fixing disease.
- It relies on resources: comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness to build resilience.
Remove Deliberate Meaninglessness
- Remove deliberate-looking meaninglessness from institutions to improve wellbeing.
- You don't have to create meaning; stop designing environments that scream meaninglessness.
Environment Changes Behavior And Recovery
- Well-designed environments can shift behavior and recovery, for example in dementia care.
- Engaging, imaginative settings reduce repetitive demands on staff and restore more normal behavior.
