Interite Healthcare Interiors
By Natassja Wynhorst*
Tuesday, 29 January, 2019
With many years of research, there is no denying that the exposure to nature has a positive impact on health, wellbeing and overall happiness — even to the extent that green spaces promote prosocial behaviours.
It is due to these evidential factors that many modern designs, including within healthcare, residential and commercial properties, are based on biophilic design. Biophilic design has grown exponentially over the past few years as it has gained a greater understanding and further awareness. There is also overwhelming research supporting how specific design elements create greater patient experience, care and recovery.
Biophilia itself is the inherent human inclination to connect, and have an affiliation, with nature. Biophilic design is an extension to this and can be defined as the incorporation of natural materials, natural light, nature views, vegetation and other experiences from the natural environment into the built environment.1
Essentially, biophilic design focuses on aspects of the natural world that have contributed to human health, happiness and productivity in the constant endeavourto be fit and to survive.2 Another distinguishing feature of biophilic design is itsemphasis on the inclusion of the overall setting or habitat, and not just simply an isolated occurrence in nature.2
There is significant evidence showing the substantial positive effects this design concept has within healthcare facilities. Patients within hospitals and other medical locations that have incorporated the natural environment into the facility’s design have been found to have substantial healing benefits. This is because simple inclusions of nature, or interpretations of it, aid in the healing process of patients.3
It is common for stress to be a major factor in inhibiting the body’s healing processes and recovery time. However, when patient rooms have views of nature, less pain medication is dispensed for the respective patients, and the overall condition improves as it reduces stress and relieves pain. Statistically speaking, the incorporation of biophilia within hospitals has reduced post-operative recovery by 8.5% and the use of pain medication by 22%.4
Similarly, biophilic design also results in environments that soothe, comfort, calm and orientate, making it extremely beneficial to healthcare environments specialising in behavioural health. However, to support patient needs within behavioural healthcare environments, it is essential to avoid literal representations of imagery that can trigger unwanted or traumatic feelings or memories.
There are many ways to implement the design concept of biophilia into healthcare design, including the six basic principles of biophilic design: environmental features, natural shapes and forms, natural patterns and processes, light and space, place-based relationships and evolved human-nature relationships.1
These principles are implemented into health care through the creative inclusion and optimisation of spaces with a human focus, thermal comfort levels, air quality, toxin levels and ventilation, acoustic comfort, improved natural lighting, internal and external natural views, the use of natural materials, textures, patterns and colours, the use of recuperative spaces, and the psychological and physiological effect on the space.4
Biophilia and the extension of biophilic design are of significant importance in healthcare clinics, centres, practices and hospitals, especially due to the evident disconnection many have to the natural environment within modern, urbanised areas.
The ability to reduce stress, speed up recovery times, positively impact behavioural disorders and liven up what is traditionally considered a sterile space are only a few benefits of biophilic design. The recognition of our need to connect with nature also boosts productivity, efficiency, morale and overall service delivery, allowing healthcare practitioners to perform at their optimum level, while patients receive their optimum care in a cleverly designed environment.
For further information, visit www.interitehealthcare.com.
References
- What is Biophilic Design?, Skyline Art Services, accessed 29 November 2018. https://skylineartservices.com/wp-content/uploads/Biophilic-well-building-Handout.pdf
- Stephen R. Kellert, What Is and Is Not Biophilic Design?, Metropolis, accessed 29 November 2018. https://www.metropolismag.com/architecture/what-is-and-is-not-biophilic-design/
- Natures Cure: How Biophilic Design Can Enhance Healing, MCD Magazine, accessed 29 November 2018. https://mcdmag.com/2018/04/natures-cure-how-biophilic-design-can-enhance-healing/#.W_99vNszZhE
- What is Biophilic Design?, Oliver Health Design, accessed 29 November 2018. https://www.oliverheath.com/biophilic-design-connecting-nature-improve-health-well/
Related Articles
Design that promotes healing and celebrates seasonal shifts
The Tumut Hospital redevelopment has delivered a fully integrated, modern health service to meet...
A redevelopment that blends history and modern design
Queensland Health and Cairns and Hinterland Hospital Health Services' $86.4 million...
Healthcare design and the power of empathy
The construction of Redlands Satellite Hospital has been completed with work now underway to...
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information on various topics, including biophilic design in healthcare. Biophilic design is an approach that incorporates elements of nature into the built environment to improve health, well-being, and overall happiness. It has gained significant attention in recent years due to its positive impact on patient experience, care, and recovery. In this response, I will provide information related to the concepts discussed in this article.
Biophilic Design in Healthcare
Biophilic design is based on the concept of biophilia, which is the inherent human inclination to connect with nature. It involves incorporating natural materials, natural light, nature views, vegetation, and other experiences from the natural environment into the built environment The goal is to create spaces that mimic or evoke the positive aspects of nature, promoting a sense of well-being and connection with the natural world.
Benefits of Biophilic Design in Healthcare
There is significant evidence supporting the positive effects of biophilic design in healthcare facilities. Patients in hospitals and medical locations that have incorporated the natural environment into their design have been found to experience substantial healing benefits. The inclusion of nature or interpretations of it in patient rooms has been shown to reduce stress, relieve pain, and improve overall conditions, leading to a decrease in the use of pain medication and a faster recovery time .
Specifically, the incorporation of biophilia within hospitals has been found to reduce post-operative recovery time by 8.5% and the use of pain medication by 22% Biophilic design has also been shown to have a positive impact on behavioral health, creating environments that soothe, comfort, calm, and orientate patients.
Principles of Biophilic Design in Healthcare
There are six basic principles of biophilic design that can be implemented in healthcare design:
- Environmental features: Incorporating natural elements such as water, plants, and natural materials.
- Natural shapes and forms: Using organic shapes and patterns found in nature.
- Natural patterns and processes: Incorporating patterns and processes found in nature, such as fractals.
- Light and space: Maximizing natural light and creating spaces that allow for a connection with the outdoors.
- Place-based relationships: Designing spaces that reflect the local ecosystem and cultural context.
- Evolved human-nature relationships: Creating spaces that foster a sense of connection and affinity with nature.
These principles can be implemented through the creative inclusion and optimization of spaces with a human focus, thermal comfort levels, air quality, toxin levels and ventilation, acoustic comfort, improved natural lighting, internal and external natural views, the use of natural materials, textures, patterns, and colors, the use of recuperative spaces, and the psychological and physiological effects on the space.
Conclusion
Biophilic design in healthcare has gained recognition for its ability to reduce stress, speed up recovery times, positively impact behavioral disorders, and create a more engaging and pleasant environment for both patients and healthcare practitioners. By incorporating elements of nature into healthcare facilities, the design aims to improve patient experience, care, and overall well-being. The principles of biophilic design provide a framework for creating spaces that promote a connection with nature and enhance the healing process.
Please note that the information provided is based on this article and the general knowledge I have as an expert and enthusiast.
