Abstract The XXI century as the era of changes, implies transformation of environments and societies on a global level. Driven by IT as tools conducive for generating novel solutions, it triggered creative rethinking of architecture in order to overcome the stiff dogmatic grip of the twentieth century Modernism. Within these frames we discuss architecture for wellness as the answer to rising resentments regarding living environments. The chronological line-up of theories and ideas regarding architecture for wellness reveals the importance of Men as the ultimate measure of designers’ accomplishments. Architecture is analysed as a catalyst for channelling empathetic feelings and support. Through design examples grouped in three distinct categories ranging from randomly observed details, to nature and IT driven cases, we explain the sensorial and cognitive mechanisms that make them empathetic to human conditions and resourceful as endorsement and promoter of positive changes on personal and societal levels.