Designing an optimal healing environment
Holistic design goes beyond solving problems because even by its very application it solves problems. The focus of holistic design depends on the context always, so the problems faced by each healthcare environment are unique. At their baseline level, all of these factors and little decisions need to be taken into account when designing a ‘healing’ environment.
- Interiors are filled with nature or natural elements, either through a view from a patient ward into gardens outside, or with aquarium placement or even art choice
- Natural light has been very important in healthcare spaces since Victorian times and there are widely documented reasons for that
- Soothing color palettes
- Reduction of environmental stressors such as sudden loud noises, glare from white lights, and poor air quality
- Modular seating options for family and friends visiting in patients’ rooms and transition area.
- Rooms that can be personalized (through the addition of patients’ personal items) to improve patient comfort