Sustainable development and human well-being. Towards an ecological transition and frugal creativity for architecture. Research experiences in Morocco

One of the main goals of contemporary society is to improve the physical and psychological health and well-being of the population, especially in both urban and architectural living spaces. An effective approach to address this complex issue must necessarily be transdisciplinary and incorporated into the broader perspective of sustainability science towards an ecological-frugal transition. It is clear how sustainability is configured as a new paradigm of reference for architecture, which goes beyond the characteristics of the built, relating directly to the lifestyles of the user. The concept of design therefore becomes an element directly related to the real, effective and efficient measurement of sustainability itself, hence the new key to design for sustainability. A concept of health understood in its broadest sense, in other words, in terms of well-being for optimal functioning. Designers must therefore take charge of an architectural and urban approach that responds to the principle of primary prevention, not only reducing risks but also enhancing the value of assets. The paper aims to identify the intervention criteria for healthy and ecological design, with particular attention to psychological, architectural and construction aspects, verifying these criteria through a number of case studies in the city of Marrakech, Morocco. These case studies focus on innovative design, for the proper use, accessibility and management of spaces.