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What is EnviroHacking?

Designing Evidence-Based Spaces for Human and Environmental Well-Being

### EnviroHacking: Shaping Environments for Human and Environmental Well-Being    **EnviroHacking is a revolutionary approach to design that merges science, sustainability, and creativity to shape environments that enhance human well-being.** By blending evidence-based research with cutting-edge design principles, EnviroHacking goes beyond aesthetics to create spaces that are functional, inspiring, and attuned to our needs. This innovative approach recognises that our surroundings profoundly influence our behaviours, emotions, and health. From boosting productivity to promoting happiness and sustainability, EnviroHacking transforms the way we interact with the built environment, offering a blueprint for a more harmonious and human-centric future.    ### What is EnviroHacking?    EnviroHacking, a term introduced by **COOOP Pty Ltd**, co-founded by award-winning architect Callie van der Merwe, describes an **evidence-based design approach** that uses empirical data to consciously create environments that elicit positive human responses. At its core, EnviroHacking represents the ultimate integration of biohacking and environmental design, flipping the traditional narrative of how we interact with our surroundings.    This approach acknowledges that **our environments shape our behaviours, emotions, and well-being in ways we are only beginning to understand.** As Dr. Eve Edelstein, a pioneer in neuroarchitecture, explains:   **"By designing spaces with evidence-based insights, we can foster environments that support health, creativity, and happiness."**    ### Key Principles of EnviroHacking    1. **Evidence-Based Design**: Leveraging scientific research and data to inform every design decision. By understanding how environments impact human psychology and physiology, designers can optimise spaces to promote specific outcomes.    2. **Tailor-Built Environments**: Creating spaces uniquely designed to meet the needs of those who use them—whether that’s boosting productivity in a workplace, fostering relaxation at home, or promoting social connection in public spaces.    3. **Positive Human Responses**: Designing spaces that enhance well-being, improve functionality, and evoke emotions such as calm, focus, and happiness.    4. **Environmental Sustainability**: Integrating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable design practices to ensure that spaces are kind to the planet while benefiting their inhabitants.    ### EnviroHacking in Practice    In the world of architecture and design, **digital tools like AI, machine learning, and neuroscience** are being harnessed to reimagine how spaces influence human behaviour. Wearable devices and biometric research now allow designers to measure how environments affect users on a physical and emotional level. This data-driven approach enables the creation of spaces that nurture healing, amplify abilities, and promote longevity.    EnviroHacking is also influencing grassroots initiatives and broader environmental strategies. From **citizen science projects** and DIY environmental solutions to collaborative design practices and advocacy for sustainable development, the concept has evolved into a powerful movement that bridges science, design, and community action.    ### A Holistic Approach to Design    EnviroHacking is not just about aesthetics—it’s a **holistic design philosophy** that considers the interconnected impact of the built environment on people and the planet. By aligning beauty, functionality, and sustainability, EnviroHacking transforms spaces into tools for positive change.    As Callie van der Merwe advocates,   **“The power of EnviroHacking lies in its ability to create spaces that resonate deeply with those who inhabit them while contributing positively to the world we share.”**    This approach weaves together neuroscience, environmental responsibility, and user-focused design principles to create spaces that foster comfort, connection, and creativity.    ### Transforming Lives Through EnviroHacking    EnviroHacking challenges us to rethink the role of our surroundings in shaping our daily lives. It is a conscious manipulation of the built environment to **improve human abilities, enhance quality of life, and promote ecological balance**. By crafting spaces that prioritise well-being, sustainability, and emotional resonance, EnviroHacking ensures that design becomes a tool for meaningful transformation—offering healthier, more fulfilling experiences for people while leaving a positive legacy for future generations.
 

EnviroHacking is a revolutionary approach to design that merges science, sustainability, and creativity to shape environments that enhance human well-being. By blending evidence-based research with cutting-edge design principles, EnviroHacking goes beyond aesthetics to create spaces that are functional, inspiring, and attuned to our needs. This innovative approach recognises that our surroundings profoundly influence our behaviours, emotions, and health. From boosting productivity to promoting happiness and sustainability, EnviroHacking transforms the way we interact with the built environment, offering a blueprint for a more harmonious and human-centric future.


EnviroHacking is a term first introduced by Callie van der Merwe (co-founder of COOOP) at the AHICE Asia Pacific Hotel Conference in 2024. It describes an evidence-based design approach that uses empirical data to consciously manipulate our built environment in order to improve our abilities and quality of life. This involves infusing the findings of neuroscientists and environmental psychologists with sound design principles to create spaces that are not only functional but also beautiful, sustainable, and inspiring.


Callie van der Merwe, explains.

"When we initially tabled the concept of EnviroHacking, we didn't anticipate it sparking such a whirlwind of discussions, speaking engagements, interviews, and inquiries about its origins, meaning, and legitimacy. Recognising this, we feel it's high time to provide a concise summary and overview of recent discussions and fundamental principles." 

EnviroHacking in a sense could be seen as the ultimate mash-up of biohacking and environmental design, completely flipping the script on how we understand and shape our environments for better health and well-being.


Environment + Hacking = EnviroHacking

Meanwhile, in the world of architecture and design, with an aid of AI, ML and popular design apps, this popular hacking culture - we refer to as EnviroHacking - has also spilled into design. Design has been democratised. We're all designers now, and this creative explosion should be celebrated, not stifled. Additionally, the traditional rules are further being rewritten, thanks to insights from the Neuroscience. With wearable devices and cutting-edge science, we're now finally getting a grip on how our environments affect us, positively and negatively, help us or harm us. This newfound knowledge is core to the principles of NeuroArchitecture," where neuroscientists are of late in fact calling for the built environment to become a matter of Public Health.


By weaving neuroscience, or at least the findings of it, into our search for answers, we will collectively trail-blaze new and exciting evidence based design rules or hacks if you will, towards environmental typologies that will nurture healing, amplify our abilities, and hopefully lead to a longer and more meaningful existence. From the grassroots efforts of Citizen Designers to the top-down guidance of qualified scientists and professional architects.


To this end EnviroHacking can simply be summarised as the conscious manipulation of our built environment in order to improve our abilities and the quality of our lives. 


 

Information Reference Index:


Relive the Highlights of the 2024 Design Inn Symposium

EnviroHacking Interior Spaces: Leading Healthier, Happier, More Successful Lives

Neuroarchitecture: How Neuroscience is Influencing Design

Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Nature Into Interiors

Design Show Australia Agenda presents EnviroHacking


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