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February 2-4, 2027 | Las Vegas, NV

Salutogenesis in Kitchen and Bath Design: Creating Spaces That Promote Health and Well-Being

Panel

Ten years ago, “biophilia” emerged as a groundbreaking concept in design. Today, it is firmly established as a foundational principle within our industry.

Five years ago, “neuroaesthetics” began redefining how we think about the relationship between design and the impact it has on the mind and body. Today, its influence can be seen across projects around the world.

Now, we are witnessing the rise of another transformative movement—one that has the potential to shape the future of design in profound ways: Salutogenesis.

Salutogenic Design represents a powerful shift in perspective. It challenges us to move beyond creating spaces that are simply beautiful and functional, toward designing environments that cause human health, well-being, and biological resilience.

Homeowners increasingly view their kitchens and bathrooms as essential contributors to health, wellness, and quality of life. This session introduces attendees to salutogenesis—a research-based approach focused on creating environments that support health rather than simply preventing illness—and explores its application within residential kitchen and bath design.

 

The panel includes three ASID specialists, Janet Marena, Janine Arietta, and Rose Tanjoco, two of whom are past ASID Presidents, and will be moderated by Mike Peterson, Founder, Science in Design. All three panelists are Science in Design Certified. The panel's goal will be to demonstrate how to apply salutogenic design to kitchen and bath spaces. The overall discussion will include real project examples of salutogenesis at work. We will shed light on how our surroundings influence our physiology and share empowering, science-based strategies to design spaces that foster balance and resilience. All design elements presented will be filtered through the lens of salutogenic design.

Participants will discover how salutogenic design decisions influence physical, emotional, and social well-being through factors such as lighting, material selection, accessibility, ergonomics, air and water quality, sensory comfort, and biophilic design. The panel will examine how kitchens and baths can be intentionally designed to reduce stress, support healthy habits, enhance independence, and create meaningful daily experiences for users of all ages and abilities.

Drawing from evidence-based design research, wellness standards, and real-world project examples, this session provides practical strategies that designers can immediately apply to client projects. Attendees will gain a framework for incorporating health-based solutions that address growing consumer demand while differentiating their professional services in an increasingly competitive market.

As the industry continues to evolve beyond aesthetics and functionality, salutogenic design offers a powerful opportunity to position kitchens and baths as active contributors to lifelong health, resilience, and well-being.

Important: All studies discussed by the panel are supported with documentation from Johns Hopkins University, Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics (UPenn), University of Texas, University of Oregon, Harvard University, and more.

Speakers

Mike Peterson
Mike PetersonFounder, Science in Design®️

More Information

Capacity Unlimited:No
Learning Objectives:1. Define the principles of salutogenesis and explain their relevance to contemporary kitchen and bath design. 2. Identify key environmental and design factors that influence occupant health, well-being, and daily behaviors within residential kitchens and bathrooms. 3. Apply evidence-based health design strategies to create kitchen and bath environments that support physical, emotional, and social well-being across diverse user populations. 4. Attendees will learn they can differentiate their businesses from the "traditional" designer by employing health-based design processes. 5. Design has moved beyond creating spaces for aesthetic and functional purposes--design is now considered a "biological intervention" due to its ability to heal.
On-Demand:No
Option for On-Demand:No
Presentation Approach:The moderator will establish the foundation for the discussion by defining the term- salutogenesis. The panel will then provide real life examples of how it is used in residentialmand commercial work.