World Economic Forum Data Reveals Surge in Healthy Lifestyles and Post-Pandemic Health Priorities

Jakarta, VIVA – A World Economic Forum (WEF) survey reports that public awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles has increased in recent years. Sixty-two per cent of respondents now place health as an increasingly important priority following the pandemic.

Healthy lifestyles are not only related to diet and physical activity, but are also influenced by environmental factors. The environment where we live, learn, and work can be a source of exposure to various substances that potentially affect long-term health.

Architect and Urban Designer Adjie Negara stated that as technology and industry develop, many household products, building materials, and everyday equipment use various chemicals to improve function, durability, and product quality.

However, understanding the types and potential impacts of these chemicals becomes important so that the public can use products more wisely and safely. He explained that the environment where we live or work can significantly affect the wellbeing of its occupants.

“Buildings that we create must pay attention to many things, starting from the placement of windows so that more sunlight enters, then ventilation, cross-circulation, and the placement of green elements. All of this is not only a source of oxygen, but also stress relief that is important for mental health,” said Adjie in his statement on Saturday, 14 March 2026.

The choice of building materials is also important, he said. He gave an example that the selection of flooring for outdoor areas differs from indoor materials. “We must also avoid what is called threat hazards, so obstacles or constraints that can be dangerous due to choosing the wrong material,” he said.

The selection of building materials must be considered from the roof, walls, to the floor. Adjie explained that selecting materials is a very important element in architecture, including when talking about buildings in general where one of the main criteria is material selection.

Particularly for materials that will come into direct contact with users who will be active within the building, whether through the skin or inhaled through breathing, or through water pipes that will affect its quality.

“For residential homes, if inhabited by people with special needs or sensitivities, such as asthma for example, they must certainly avoid certain chemicals,” said Adjie.