Health Care Architecture: Impacts of design on patient wellbeing

Contemporary health care environments require a unique juxtaposition between the clinical need for medical treatment, sterility and access to complex technology, and providing a space that is positive, uplifting, welcoming and dignified for patients, caregivers and families.  

In a review document produced by University of New South Wales and the Research Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity in 2008, 'The Health Impacts of the Design of Hospital Facilities on Patient Recovery and Wellbeing, and Staff Wellbeing' authored by Amanda Ampt, Patrick Harris and Michelle Maxwell, outcomes were as impactful as reported pain reduction with exposure to sunlight and provision of a window with a view, self-reported positive mood changes in the general patient population associated with access to garden areas, and a stress reduction when rooms contain colourful textiles or patterns, as it creates a home-like feel.  

Carabiner focus on designing public buildings that empower and inspire the people who use them, and we believe that features such as access to views and natural daylight; connection to nature; good acoustics; good indoor air quality; intuitive wayfinding; and appropriate use of colours, patterns and textures play a critical part in providing spaces that support wellbeing.