Andreia F De Sousa Nunes Vidas
N0444529
BA(Hons) Interior Architecture & Design Final Year
Research Project
THE DESIGN OF HEALING
In hospital buildings, “…architecture... should create a healing environment for patients, visitors and staff psychologically, mentally and physically” (Aripin, 2007). When looking at healing architecture elements such as “noise control, air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, communication, colour, texture, privacy and view to nature are among the physical factors which have to be thoroughly considered in hospital design” (Malkin, 1991; Gross et al., 1998; Schweitzer et al., 2004 and Richard et al., 2005). Studies have shown that when applying those elements to new hospital designs the outcomes are very positive with surprising results in patient health and staff performance.
Healing Architecture
The aim of my research project is to formulate a solution, to some of the areas of healthcare architectural design that I will be implementing in my design proposal, such as hospital design, natural light, acoustics and green spaces.
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Can architecture create a healing environment?
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How nature and light can help us heal?
Biophilia is the inherent human inclination to affiliate with nature that even in the modern world continues to be critical to people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing
(Wilson 1986, Kellert and Wilson 1993, Kellert, 1997,2012)
Stephen R. Kellert states that “most of our inherent tendencies to affiliate with nature continue to exercise significant effects on people’s physical and mental health, performance, and wellbeing.” Studies have proven that in healthcare, the exposure to nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, provide pain relief, improve illness recovery, accelerate healing, enhance staff morale and performance, and lead to fewer conflicts between patients and staff (Annerstedt and Währborg, 2001)
Biophilic Design
Fig.1
Fig.2
The above diagrams help me understand which elements play a bigger part in achieving a healing environment:
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Fig 1. highlights the importance of wellness in people which can be achieved byproviding an environmentally friendly place in which care is accessible.
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Fig 2. shows the aspects that could greatly improve health outcomes and also give an overall idea of the importance of the elements, that I want to look into, for my design proposal: therapeutic G=gardens, home-like feel and daylight, family and community.
The design for the North Zealand acute care hospital, in Denmark, by Herzog & De Meuron, is the perfect example of healing architecture. With its pavilion like structure and scale, this facility will be located within the forest, providing an inviting and welcome environment for patients and visitors. Comprising of two floors, the clove design will use lightweight pre-fabricated modules in metal and timber. The patients’ rooms offer views into the central garden that connects the complex. The hospital director, Bente Ourø Rørth, stated: “herzog & de meuron have designed a patient-centered hospital – a beautiful, healing and functional building that supports our patients’ recovery in the best possible way. The hospital’s great strength is its highly successful and fundamental fusion of form and function,”
“Good lighting should be thought of as the silent partner in caregiving.”
(Brawley 2008)