Named as one of the healthiest venues in the North West, Spaces at The Spine has not only been designed with physical wellbeing in mind, but we also pride ourselves on promoting mental health and happiness on a daily basis. 

With International Stress Awareness Week taking place from 4-8 November, our venue offers several design features to create a calming space for everyone, from delegates attending an event to visitors and staff working in the building.

WELL Building Standard

Landmark building The Spine, which is home to Spaces at The Spine, incorporates WELL Building Standard concepts into an environment that positively impacts wellness, including reducing stress for its team, clients and delegates. The design comprises elements of nature to support physical and mental health, incorporating all ten WELL Building Standard concepts - Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind and Community. For example, large windows and open spaces maximise natural light, which has been shown to help regulate sleep patterns and increase productivity.

Bringing the outdoors in 

Subtle design features throughout the building include the use of repeating patterns in nature, resulting in a calming effect on the mind. The natural stress-relieving boost of greenery is also present, with indoor plants and a living wall connecting delegates and teams with the outdoors. Each plant was carefully chosen, based on a study by NASA, to increase oxygen levels and create a healthier, more relaxing place.

Also, the architect took inspiration from Japan, where doctors often prescribe forest bathing to naturally improve mental health. Referred to in Japan as ‘shinrin yoku’, it’s a method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, appreciating nature while breathing deeply to soothe stress. On a bright day, the sun shines through the venue’s distinctive Voronoi pattern on the glass, imitating the dappled light that would come through the forest.

Employee wellbeing 

Furthermore, the way we operate is also top of the agenda when it comes to mental health and stress awareness, with an emphasis on prioritising the care of our employees. The team is encouraged to eat lunch away from their desks to take a break from work. Plus, fortnightly online meditation sessions are available, alongside back massages, sound baths and weekly lunchtime yoga sessions to help manage stress and leave everyone feeling re-energised.