Holistic Health and Interior Environment: Using the Psychoneuroimmunogical Model to Map Person-Environment Research in Design

This paper focuses on the relationship between the holistic health of a human being and the interior environment as it is conveyed in research literature. The study described here particularly focuses on literature that connects environment, emotions, feelings, mind and body. Central to this work is the PNI (psychoneuroimmunology) model which proposes that a person's psychological health is internally related to their neurological system and immunological systems. The study is underpinned by an interest in the relationship between these systems and the built environment. Its purpose is to establish the extent to which the built environment has been considered by research today in PNI and vice versa. This is achieved by further exploring the two subjects and looking at the possibilities of establishing a relationship between the two fields in order identify how PNI could contribute to Design. This is understood by examining the field of PNI and person-environment research in design. As an outcome, the project aims to produce a framework for further research and application.