The impact of architecture on wellbeing: How spaces shape health and happiness.
Exploring the power of biophilic design and thoughtful interiors.
Wellbeing encompasses the ideal state of physical and mental health that we strive to achieve and maintain. The built environment plays a crucial role in shaping our well-being, and biophilic design has emerged as a powerful approach to creating spaces that nurture our innate connection to nature.
The groundbreaking 1984 study ‘View through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery’, published in Science by Dr Roger Ulrich, demonstrated that post-operative patients with views of nature experienced faster healing, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and lower infection rates compared to those with only a brick wall to look at. This research highlighted the profound impact of natural elements on healing and well-being in healthcare settings.
STARS Hospital in Brisbane is a standout example of biophilia in healthcare design and the benefits it brings.
Hospital design has evolved to incorporate natural elements, emphasising nature-inspired materials, green central atriums, large windows, natural sunlight, and views of green spaces. For example, STARS Hospital (Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service), located in Brisbane and designed by Hassell - is a recent Australian example of biophilia in healthcare design. The building is noted for its central courtyard, with patient and staff spaces facing a lush green landscape. Deep green walls, travertine floors, and timber panelling make the hospital feel welcoming and luxurious.
Not surprisingly, this Queensland Public Hospital has won the following awards:
2022 Property Council of Australia National Innovation and Excellence Awards – Best Public Building
2022 Queensland Government Minister’s Award for Urban Design: Commendation
2021 AILA QLD Landscape Architecture Awards – Landscape Architecture Award for Health and Education Landscape
2021 AILA National Award of Excellence for Health and Education Landscape
Lush garden courtyards are a common feature at STARS Hospital in Brisbane.
The AILA jury described STARS as a “brave and significant landscape. Lush and intense planting fills the spaces generously, supporting therapeutic principles and biophilic design by relieving the senses for patients and medical workers…”
In architecture and Interior design, biophilia typically follows three main categories: direct presence of nature, images or views of nature, and nature-inspired patternation, texture, or colour. STARS layered all three of these biophilic principles to create an exceptional healthcare environment.
We know from research and our own experience that a connection with nature or biophilic elements has a positive impact on our physical and mental well-being. Next time you are in a healthcare setting note the biophilic elements around you from green plant walls, patterns in the carpet, upholstery, curves of the walls, and timber elements.
Ainslie.
References:
Bull, C (February 2022) Restorative effects: Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) Landscape Architecture Australia.
Ulrich RS. View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science. 1984 Apr 27;224(4647):420-1. doi: 10.1126/science.6143402. PMID: 6143402.