SYNOPSIS

analysis of the healthcare situation of various user groups in India.

RESEARCH QUESTONS:

 Why is the perception of hospitals negative or intimidating even though it is the place we seek for treatment?  Can architecture contribute in improvising the mental health of patients by aiding in the healing process to make the injury easier to endure?

NEED FOR STUDY:

We always have a stereotypical image of a healthcare facility created in our minds which focuses mainly on the functional and practical aspect because of what we see in our surroundings. But in an ideal scenario, a user’s experience would also be a priority in the design making process, as the aesthetic and environmental factors play a large role in the recovery process of a patient. The ambience of the facility is not just essential for the recovery process of patients but also for the state of mind the doctors, nurses and family members of the patient during intricate times. Even though it is not a compulsory requirement for healthcare facilities in India, this concept is certainly very essential and if it had already been executed the circumstances of the healthcare sector today would’ve been uncomplicated. The question is why is there so much negligence towards such an efficient approach? The main reason is the lack of familiarity with the concept. The more the people see this idea being executed in the environs, the more it will start becoming a crucial part in the forthcoming programs.

AIM:

The main aim is to study how a holistic approach in a healthcare setting can overlap with

modern-day western medicine, and go beyond the regular treatment of symptoms in order to support more than just the body.

OBJECTIVES:

1) To study how senses can be revitalized through architecture. 2) To understand the psychological eff ects of humanized architecture and the relation of the mind with the chemical process in the body responding to its surrounding. 3) To study various typologies of healthcare facilities. 4) To identify a category of users/patients in healthcare that has immense holistic needs and to research their specifi c requirements which can be fulfi lled architecturally. 5) To analyze healthcare situation and requirements in India. 6) To identify special needs of the geriatric group of patients. 7) To investigate various issues faced by various user groups like patients, doctors, family members and staff .

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

To achieve the objectives of the study the following research methodology will be fulfilled:  Detailed literature review related to holistic approach in architecture and healing environments.  The need and requirement of physical aspects and architectural features in healthcare centers will be studied.  Analyzing the different types of healthcare centers in India and abroad.  Studying several categories of patients and their requirements.  Studying various newspaper articles written on issues faced by geriatric groups in India  Detailed case studies of successful holistic healthcare facilities or other facilities incorporating mental health.  Exploration of design considerations and interventions.

SCOPE OF STUDY AND LIMITATIONS:

As proven, a patient’s mind-set contributes in speeding up the healing process of their body. In this case, it becomes vital to induce a holistic approach in the healthcare facilities. The immense stress caused on the patients, doctors, and family members can be reduced by understanding and implementing the study done in reality. Due to such a vast topic for the purpose of this thesis it was important to identify the user group with immense holistic needs. Looking at the Indian context since there is need for specialized healthcare for geriatric groups there is immense scope in research.

HYPOTHESIS:

Holistic approach will be a vital mandatory part of healthcare facilities in the future.