Well-being Material Library
As RISC researchers, we focus on the search for the best materials to implement in construction projects as well as for a better quality of life according to our concept of "for all well-being".
Expanding our Integrated Research Network and building partnerships with public sector eco-designers and manufacturers, the library will exponentially grow and become one of the most extensive eco-material collections available.
Materials Display
This is the first library to collect and display eco-materials for design and architectural applications to support designers. The library also showcases the most updated material trends.
Materials Studio
Material Studio Workshop is a space for preparing new materials for the RISC library. The studio includes a photo studio and material storage space. It is also a space for collaborative workshop activities to exchange ideas and information.
Materials Online
The information on all materials will be collected and digitized for our online database which you can conveniently search for information. In the future, this database will be the most comprehensive material database available.
Find your favorite materials
Knowledge
From “Vegetarianism” to Designing a Sustainable Way of Life
When we think of the Vegetarian Festival, we often associate it with a time of abstaining from meat and animal-based products. The tradition began as a way to minimize harm and avoid disturbing the lives of animals. It also stems from the ancient Chinese belief that during this nine-day, nine-night period, deities descend to protect and bless those who observe the precepts. Traditionally, this practice honors seven Buddhas of the past and two Bodhisattvas, nine divine beings in total.Today, as people place greater emphasis on their health and well-being, the Vegetarian Festival has become a symbolic starting point for those looking to reduce meat consumption and embrace more plant-based foods. It serves as both a motivator and a shared experience — a moment of connection among friends and families who take part together.On the physical health front, meals made from vegetables, fruits, and grains help reduce saturated fat intake while increasing dietary fiber, supporting digestion and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Research indicates that a diet rich in legumes can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 21% and lower cancer-related mortality by 11%. At the same time, shifting away from meat-based diets can help cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 20.2 million tons, promoting both personal and planetary health.Beyond the physical benefits, following a vegetarian diet cultivates self-discipline and mindfulness with every meal. A calm, conscious mind forms the foundation of well-being — encompassing not only physical health but also emotional balance and social harmony. It also nurtures compassion and respect for all living things, key elements of holistic well-being for both body and mind.More importantly, vegetarianism reflects the idea of “designing sustainable behaviors.” Even a small step such as practicing vegetarianism for nine days a year — can make a measurable difference. According to the United Nations (UN), adopting a plant-based diet can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by 5.75 kilograms of CO₂ per day. Over nine days, that adds up to about 50–55 kilograms of CO₂ — a tangible reduction compared to a typical meat-inclusive diet.Yet beyond the numbers, this practice nurtures awareness and intention — encouraging people to make choices that benefit both their health and the environment. In the context of well-being, sustainable behavior design isn’t about temporary change; it’s about laying the foundation for lasting, meaningful habits — such as choosing fresh, nutritious foods, being mindful of ingredient sources, and reducing resource waste. Together, these actions reflect a genuine effort to live more consciously and sustainably.The Vegetarian Festival, therefore, is far more than a cultural tradition. It represents a small yet powerful beginning — a catalyst for transforming everyday living into a more meaningful, balanced, and sustainable way of life. When we realize that “every choice is a design,” we can turn this annual practice into a lifelong journey toward true sustainability — for our body, mind, society, and the planet.Story by Wacharakorn Maneechote, Sustainable Designer, Well-Being Research Integrations, RISC References byhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831323000686 https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/19/8228https://www.un.org/en/actnow/food
FOR MEMBER
FOR SUPPLIER
Sign up for free membership and gain access to our facility, which includes the Well-being Material Library.