ealth- Architecture

I D E A

Is architecture related to health?

Increasing number of scientific studies demonstrate the immediate and remarkable impact of the built environment of healthcare facilities on the wellbeing and safety of patients and visitors but also on the efficiency and effectiveness of the staff and generally on the quality and cost of the services provided.

What is the definition of health?

According to the World Health Organisation, health is the achievement of best physical, mental and social well-being and not only the absence of distinct illness constantly in relation to the environment.

What do we define as healing architecture?

By the term healing architecture we obviously do not refer to an architecture that is capable of healing, but we are looking for an architecture that will achieve a therapeutic contribution to the recovery process. A healing environment is the result of an enidence-based design that has shown measurable improvements in the physical and psychological levels of patients, staff, doctors and visitors.

Under which circumstances can an enironment be described as healing?

The primary role of a healing environment is to help reduce patients’ stress levels and consequently to improve the outcome of their treatment or recovery process. Factors that have to be taken into account in creating a healing environment:

•Lighting •Air quality •Noise adjustment •Materials •Colors •Art works •View to nature

What is evidence-based design?

Evidence-Based Design or EBD is a field of study that emphasizes to the use of evidence that influences the design process. Makes decisions based on the best available research information from previous project evaluations. It provides data on what works and what does not fit the design of the building for its qualitative use, it brings experience to the planning process to support imagination, judgment and appreciation. Empirisism replaces philosophy.

How architects contribute to creating healing environments?

Architects have the most important role in designing the future healthcare facilities, while guaranteeing quality care in the hospital environment.

Since developments in medical and medical technology have changed so quickly the general context of hospitals and the operation of patients’ rooms, the guidelines should be continuously reviewed so that the developer and designer can confirm their validity.