raumDNA

Architecture has a direct impact on our decisions and behavior.

Architecture has an impact. Always.

It influences mental health, how we feel, how we act, how we live and work together. Often more strongly than we realize. The central question of our time is therefore: How do we design spaces that meet the changing needs of people and social structures—while also being economical, durable, and sustainable?

The dilemma

Many planning and development processes today are optimized for efficiency in construction. What is often overlooked is the long-term impact on the people who use these spaces. Time and again, it has been shown that projects are sustainably successful when they fulfill their human purpose. When they are not only built, but understood

Human-centered design means understanding people.

Human-centered designing?

We start right away with the “Why?”.
In our structured, three-step Architectural Profiling process, we analyze:

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What people really need in a specific project

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How spaces influence these needs today

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How architecture can have a positive impact on human behavior and well-being

In this way, we make human impact visible, discussable, and plannable.

Our focus is not on style or form, but on impact.

When our perspective is particularly effective

This allows us to design spaces that go beyond functionality and truly inspire. By uncovering the hidden connections between people and their environments, we unlock untapped potential and set new standards in spatial design.

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Early in the project development phase, when fundamental decisions are made

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In competitions and concept phases

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Transformation and revitalization of existing buildings

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For projects with high social, organizational, or emotional complexity

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When different stakeholders need a common, robust foundation

Why this is economically relevant

Why this is economically relevant
When buildings fail to fulfill their human function, problems arise in the long term: conflicts of use, vacancy, stress, social tensions, lack of identification, vandalism.
Then the project becomes too expensive due to the additional costs incurred and becomes unprofitable. We create the basis for this.

Human-centered environments function in the long term, are more stable, and are more sustainable.

What we do

We make the impact of architecture predictable. Buildings are successful when they function in everyday life for the people who use them and for the goals of those responsible for them. raumDNA works where architecture meets behavior. We analyze how spaces influence people and translate this knowledge into clear principles for planning and development.

Our approach

We work with PSN-based architecture.
This means that we combine the latest psychological, sociological, and neuroscientific findings from research with architecture. This gives us a sound understanding of how people perceive spaces, how built environments influence their health and well-being, and which spatial factors shape their behavior.

Our output

Our work does not result in general recommendations, but rather in concrete decision-making bases for planning and development. This creates a solid foundation on which to continue working efficiently and purposefully.

Depending on the project, we deliver:

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User and impact profiles that show how people and space interact

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Spatial impact analyses & decision-making bases for urban planning, project development, architecture, interior design

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Strategic guidelines that link needs, objectives, and spatial measures

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Translations between stakeholders
 so that user perspectives, planning, and economic goals are aligned

This makes human impact visible, debatable, and plannable – before construction begins.

Work in progress

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CAS Site and Property Project Development 2024 at Bern University of Applied Sciences

We’ve successfully started the new programme! Many thanks to all participants for the inspiring discussions and valuable input.
Topic: Ausserholligen Bern site development – multicultural approaches in site design. The ASTRA motorway viaduct as both a dividing and connecting element: How can we shape this space for the future, using interdisciplinary knowledge to align projects with needs? Our architectural profiling process plays a key role in this.
Many thanks, Sabine Fischer, Fabian Bauer, Caspar Lundsgaard-Hansen and Boris Szélpal!

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Forschende Praktiker:innen in Architektur und Immobilien: Vol. 1/2024 Humane sustainability in high-density living

The architecture and property sector is growing more complex, requiring interdisciplinary, human-centred approaches. It’s no longer enough to focus on a single field. As researching architects, our goal is to develop resilient cities and villages that meet user needs, creating sustainable, stress-reducing, and healthy living environments.
Authors: Minou Afzali, Angela von Däniken, William Fuhrer, Andrea Grasser, Rahel Inauen, Elke Reitmayer

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Swiss Center for Design and Health

Thank you for the enriching workshops, discussions and dialogue! The third SCDH Symposium took place from 8 to 10 July 2024 with members of the International Advisory Board, the Scientific Board, the SCDH team and invited experts and guests. The focus was on the development of remote care and the integration of telemedicine technologies in hospitals and in the home environment. The video offers a review of the Symposium 2024 and an insight into the work of the SCDH.

Contact

Schedule a meeting to get to know us!

raumDNA

raumDNA PartG
Pfingstberg 32
D-21029 Hamburg

info@raumdna.com

© raumDNA 2024 I Wir entfalten das Potenzial der Architektur

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