The Healing Effects of Nature
Entered By: Chantel Riemer
March 2023
Imagine yourself, lying in a hospital bed. You open your eyes, drowsy from the anesthesia from surgery, to take in the space around you. Is the space you envisioned blank, sterile, and boring? Or do you see a window with a view to the outside world, lush with trees, greenery, and abundant life; perhaps a lovely photograph of a nature scene strategically placed into your view? Does the room feel warm and inviting, almost like home, with biophilic elements throughout, such as wood, stone, and plants? Incorporating nature into our healthcare facilities is important for not only a patient’s mental well-being, but studies have shown that it will also affect their physical well-being.
In many studies, biophilic design has proven to benefit the physical, mental, and behavioral well-being of the users. Physical benefits have included lower blood pressure, a decrease in pain and the need for pain management medications, increased comfort, and quicker healing after surgeries resulting in a shorter hospital stay. Mental benefits include increased motivation, and less stress and anxiety. Behavioral benefits include better coping skills, improved social interactions, and less hostility and aggression. After knowing all of the benefits of biophilic design, how do we begin to successfully apply the elements of biophilic design to the spaces we create?
Humans have an innate love of nature. We desire to be in nature and connect with nature. As Interior Designers, we hold a special healing power by incorporating biophilic elements into our designs. We can incorporate this in many ways, but two of the defined categories of Bioliphic Design are direct and indirect experiences of nature. Examples of direct experiences can be the usage of plants, natural light, and water. Indirect experiences can be incorporated through materials, such as wood or stone, color palates that incorporate greens, blues, and earth tones, organic shapes and forms, or nature-inspired artwork.
As Interior Designers, it is our ethical responsibility to create spaces that not only function for our intended users, but to create spaces that benefit their physical and mental well-being. Through all of this research, it is clear that creating a connection to nature during treatments and recovery allows for a more holistic healing process.
Text Sources:
21459d_81ccb84caf6d4bee8195f9b5af92d8f4.pdf (biophilic-design.com)
Biophilic Design - Interite Healthcare Interiors | Medical Design and Fitouts
Image Sources:
RMK
Open Minds - Not-For-Profit Fitout - Interite Healthcare Interiors | Medical Design and Fitouts
Biophilic Design in Healthcare – Shahnaz Healthcare Interiors
Specialty Orthopedic Group - Tupelo, Mississippi
