INFLUENCE OF ARCHITECTURE ON HEALTHCARE

C) The origin v/s current requirement:

The architecture of healthcare facilities has undergone drastic changes along the way. During this evolution, the healing ability of architecture is lost in the transition from healing spaces to functionalist buildings. Healthcare today focuses on the ease of functionality and has side-lined the well-being of the patients and caregivers in architectural design and spatial planning. Aesthetics of the building are given precedence over the quality of space. With the space crunch and high real estate rates, healthcare buildings have expanded vertically without consideration of therapeutic spaces.

Hospitals in the current times are home to machinery and designers attempts to conceal this machinery. Healing is prioritized from the medical and techno- logical point of view. The psychological effects on the patients waiting in long corridors or family awaiting results of their loved ones in the emotionless waiting rooms are not considered relevant as opposed to the efficiency and smooth functioning of the hospital.

Figure 15: Evolution of healthcare architecture Source:https://issuu.com/manushisheth/docs/thesis_volume "During the modern era, the hospitals became more machine than monument, a stripped- down, functional series of boxes accommodating the increasingly complex technical apparatus for prolonging life. Architecture flat - lined." - Edwin Heathcote, Architect.

What will we define good architecture as? It is not about something which looks good, it is about something which makes us feel good. It is not the beauty or aesthetics of a building which makes us stay longer, but it is the feel we get there. "We build the buildings that end up shaping us"Winston Churchill.

A) Aspects of healthcare in Architecture

Hospitals often instill so much fear and anxiety in patients which promotes a stress response and the body becomes weak and unable to handle medications and treatments received in hospitals. Everyone seeks healing for their mental and emotional wounds. Healing has an ability to make us feel better. Any space, view, colour, person or anything can make us feel better. In order to create a healing environment, it is necessary to study and understand about the human psychology, feelings, attitude and behavior and also the physical aspects (i.e. Day lighting, window design, thermal conditions), which can positively influence the human psychology. The well designed architectural spaces and surroundings is physically healthy and have positive impact on the human psychology. Architecture takes a holographic approach at the effectiveness of art to promote healing therapy of connecting with the inner-self to bring about change in a person's lived experience. Healing involves a process where recipient receives a physically external antidote to help them heal "Architecture has its own realm. It has a special physical relationship with life. I do not think of it primarily as either a message or a symbol, but as an envelope and background for life, which goes on, in and around it, a sensitive container for the rhythm of footsteps on the floor, for the concentration of work for the silence of sleep."-Zumthor, Peter.

B) Holistic approach in Healthcare:

The term “holistic health” is used many times in literature with a variety of different connotations. Holism also has its origin in the Greek word holos, which means “whole.” Holism is not about any cult or religion, rather, it is an approach that looks at things in a total perspective. Holistic health or holistic healing is often defined as a form of healing that looks at the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. This kind of holistic healing often involves multiple complimentary medicines and alternative healthcare practices that can overlap with modern-day western medicine, but will go beyond the singular treatment of symptoms to support more than just the body.

i) Concept of Holistic Healthcare

According to the holistic medicine philosophy, one can achieve optimal health by gaining a proper balance in life. A holistic approach to healing goes beyond simply eliminating symptoms. In holistic medicine, a symptom is considered a message that something needs attention. The symptom is then used as a guide to look beyond the surface for the root cause. After which, what really needs attention can be addressed.

Principles of Holistic Approach:

Holistic medicine is also based on the belief that unconditional love and support is the most powerful healer and a person is ultimately responsible for their own health and well-being. Other principles of holistic medicine include the following:

All people have innate healing powers. The patient is a person, not a disease. Healing takes a team approach involving the patient and doctor, and addresses all aspects of a person's life using a variety of health care practices. Treatment involves fixing the cause of the condition, not just alleviating the symptoms.

Figure 17: Holistic care - Physical, social, psychological, spiritual Source: https://www.practicalnursing.org/importance-holisticnursing-care-how-completely-care-patients: