By our very design as humans, we are a product of our natural environment over generations. The spaces which our society creates to promote healing and wellness should embrace this intrinsic connection – though many healthcare facilities are sterile, cold and cut off from the natural environment. Research shows that this cold environment creates stress.
Informed healthcare design practices seek to bring the built environment back to nature in order to increase connection with the natural world and decrease stress. This design practice is called Biophilia. In his book, Biophilia, Edward O. Wilson coins the term - defining it as: “A hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other of forms of nature.”
“Biophilic systems have been observed to induce positive cognitive, psychological and physiological responses to varying degrees. They have been shown to reduce stress, enhance creativity, increase clarity of thought, improve mental well being and expedite healing. Connections to nature are vital for maintaining a healthful and vibrant existence.”
We believe that the tenants of Biophilic Design are applicable to any project, but we have found them to be especially well suited to the healthcare industry and have used them most recently in the design of the Health and Wellness Clinic for the Nisqually Tribe. We worked closely with healthcare providers and the community to integrate Biophilic design principles into the design of the facility which complement the traditional tribal healing practices and Pacific Northwest influences.
A summary of the 14 patterns can be broken down into three categories.
Nature in a Space
Natural Analogue
Nature of a Space
Nature in a Space | A direct sensory experience with the natural world.
Interior corridors lined with indoor landscaping give the space an “outdoor” feel.
Visual Connection with Nature
Bringing natural elements inside a building, such as plants, running water, daylight, wind and rain, material and textures, even animals and artifacts such as driftwood, dried grasses and stones adds complexity to a space. Humans thrive in complex environments, especially if we can control our level of exposure at any one time.
Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
Rhythmic and predictable sound often associated with HVAC systems, external traffic, or the buzz of electrical fixtures are usually considered white noise, which our brain expends energy blocking out over time or perceives in an irritating or negative way.
Birdsong, the sound of water over stones, the sway of grasses in the wind, clouds moving across the sky, a gust of fresh air through the window are welcome and unpredictable events that energize us and may allow for a higher level of thought and creativity. Subtle changes in temperature, humidity, and airflow can mimic the natural environment.
Non-Visual Connection with Nature
Even without seeing the outside world, natural sounds such as rain on the roof, wind, and flowing water reduce stress. Smells of earth, flowers, and plants also have health benefits. The sound and smell of a fireplace evoke a warm feeling of hearth and home even before you are close enough to feel the warmth. We are drawn to a patch of sunlight on a cool day. Even natural textures in a space and a variety of textures such as wood, stone, or natural weave or fibers are considered healthful.
Presence of Water
Seeing, hearing, or touching water provides a positive experience. In Japan, a fish tank is an essential piece of furniture in any medical waiting room. A space with moving water feels compelling and captivating, but also calming.
Dynamic and Diffuse Light
Varying intensity of light and shadow mimics conditions that occur in nature and provides visual interest.
Circadian lighting slowly varies the color of the light throughout the day to mimic sunlight and can ease visual fatigue even on work surfaces requiring steady light levels.
Large windows and dynamic shadows provides natural, dynamic light throughout the day.
Natural Analogue | Indirect evocation of nature.
Biomorphic Forms and Patterns
Textures and patterns create visual interest in a space whether they are created by the arrangement of structure and spaces, enhanced by articulating built elements such as ceiling design, columns, railing, and stairs. or applied as a finish. An interesting and creative use of forms and patterns can change a monotonous space into a cognitively rich space.
Waiting room interior design concept features repeating pattern using bright colors and varying shapes to create a rich and vibrant space.
Complexity and Order
All living things follow a design pattern, from a beetle’s wings, the shape a tree takes, or our own fingerprints. In nature, this pattern is often repeated and duplicated at larger and smaller scales. These designs are called fractals. Providing an ordered system within the complexity of a building will provide interest and even delight. Providing levels of complexity within the built environment will enhance the experience if not taken to extremes.
Material Connection with Nature
Using local, natural materials such as wood and stone, or even man-made objects known for being local, such as textiles or pottery, in the design can tie a building to its location and assist the occupants in feeling comfortable in their environment. Using local color palettes can also assist to a lesser degree.
Nature of a Space | Spatial configurations evokes a human response, based on natural analogies.
Mystery
A sense of discovery or anticipation as one traverses a space is exciting. The building must warrant being discovered in the first place. Elements that can create a sense of mystery include, restricted views, peek-a-boo windows, curved walls, strongly shadowed spaces, and narrow transition spaces.
Refuge
A place of withdrawal can feel safe and protective. This can be true for a single space or a small group space. Every small child can tell you the nooks and crannies of a room are the places that need to be experienced and explored. In your home, this is often your bedroom or a reading nook. In a large medical facility, this may be the waiting room or the chapel, an eddie in the stream of circulation and activity. In a school, this is characterized as a breakout space. In a casino, a trellis is often provided over table games to provide that sense of shelter from the chaos of the larger room.
Open floor plan and covered walk ways maximize patient view. Platform with handrails provides “Risk” intrigue.
Prospect
An unimpeded view inside a space either internally for wayfinding or externally for orientation imparts a sense of safety. In nature, we gravitate to the high points or open spaces to obtain this same sense of understanding of the space around us. This is especially important in potentially crowded civic spaces such as airports or highly used government buildings. Low walls, open floor plans, floor to ceiling windows, elevated platforms, and walkways should be considered.
Risk/Peril
A space with a perceived level of risk and safeguards can feel exhilarating. Glass bottomed balconies were recently installed at the Space Needle. Cantilevered decks with railings, docks, boardwalks through wetlands, infinity pools located on the roof, stepping stones across a water feature all thrill us with the perception of risk.
Biophilic design concepts create an opportunity to drastically improve the patient experience through architectural and interior design. Research continues to explore the health and happiness benefits of design which bridges the gap between the built and the natural world - especially the impact our environment makes on the healing process. In order to improve the patient experience, we need only look to our very nature as human beings.