Impact of the Built Environment on Occupants’ Well-Being-Related Perceptions and Health Behaviors: A Scoping Review

Introduction: The built environment plays a significant role in shaping human experiences, particularly in schools, workplaces, and homes, where individuals spend a considerable portion of their time. Objective: This holistic scoping review aims to examine how the built environment in schools, workplaces, and homes influences psychological needs satisfaction, motivation, health behaviors, stress and relaxation, and subjective well-being. Method: A systematic search of the two databases Scopus and PubMed was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines, screening articles from 2014 to 2024. Results: The findings indicate that optimal indoor environmental conditions like adequate lighting, comfortable temperatures, good air quality, and access to nature enhance perceived productivity, attention, and relaxation. Flexible spaces that support autonomy and social interaction also improve well-being. Conversely, environmental stressors like noise, poor air quality, and thermal discomfort can increase stress and reduce motivation. To foster well-being in diverse environments, it is suggested to integrate biophilic design features, offer personal control over building systems, and ensure optimal acoustic conditions. Conclusion: The review highlights the importance of designing built environments that cater to occupants' physical, cognitive, and psychological needs. While many studies demonstrate correlations between environmental factors and perceptive and behavioral outcomes, the quality of research varies, with a need for more rigorous longitudinal and experimental designs to establish causal relationships and long-term effects.