Ben van Berkel’s Health-Driven Design Vision features in the Design for Democracy Reader for WDC 2026
Ben van Berkel, Founder and Principal Architect of UNS, has contributed to the World Design Capital (WDC) 2026 publication, a platform that explores how design can address global challenges and shape sustainable, inclusive, and innovative urban futures. This publication brings together global thought leaders to highlight the transformative power of design in creating better cities and communities. You can explore the publication here.
We are committed to advancing the future of design through UNS’ consulting services, which focus on health, sustainability, technology, and economics. These core pillars drive our work and resonate strongly in Ben’s article, "Health as the Ultimate Driver for Human-Centric Design." Below, we delve into the key themes of his insights.
User + Health + Sustainability
From the very beginning of his practice, Ben has emphasised the profound impact architecture and design can have on physical, mental, and social well-being. Here, he highlights how sustainable principles, such as circularity and energy-positive design, can be integrated into projects to create healthier environments. The Echo building at TU Delft, for instance, combines adaptable spaces, circular-ready frameworks, and a focus on daylight to support the health of its users. Similarly, the Booking.com Campus in Amsterdam prioritises employee well-being through biophilic design, smart waste management, and flexible, health-focused spaces.
User + Health + Technology
Technology, Ben argues, is reshaping how we design and experience the built environment. By leveraging tools like data intelligence, digital twins, and smart systems, architects and designers can create healthier, more resilient spaces. For example, in Seoul, a former railway area was transformed into a digitally serviced neighbourhood that integrates green energy solutions, shared services, and on-demand digital packages to enhance daily life. This approach demonstrates how technology can go beyond efficiency to improve community well-being and user experience.
User + Health + Economics
Economic feasibility is a critical factor in creating healthier environments, particularly in dense urban areas. Ben highlights the importance of adaptability, retrofitting, and reusing existing structures to reduce costs and environmental impact. The ‘Van B’ residential project in Munich exemplifies this approach, offering flexible apartment layouts that cater to changing demographics while reducing material use and construction costs. Similarly, large-scale urban transformation projects, like the Chamartín Clara Campoamor train station in Madrid, show how economic resilience can be achieved through integrated design strategies that benefit both the community and the city.
Connecting the Dots
The themes of health, sustainability, technology, and economics are not just ideas—they are at the very heart of UNS’s consulting services. By addressing these interconnected areas, we help clients navigate the complexities of designing for the future. Whether it is creating healthier environments, integrating advanced technologies, or balancing sustainability with economic models, our consulting services are designed to deliver innovative, impactful solutions.
To learn more about how we can help you achieve your design goals, visit our Consulting Services page.
With a diverse range of thought-provoking contributions, the WDC 2026 publication explores how design shapes a better, more inclusive future, addressing global challenges across areas like Health, Mobility, and Housing under the theme Design for Democracy, Atmospheres for a Better Life. It’s a privilege to see Ben van Berkel contribute to this impactful platform, sharing UNS' vision for health-driven, human-centered design.