Biophilic Design as an Important Bridge for Sustainable Interaction between Humans and the Environment: Based on Practice in Chinese Healthcare Space

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 epidemic, there has been an increased need for well-being and sustainable development, making biophilic design in hospital environments even more significant. However, after investigation, it was found that in many countries including China, the biophilic design of some hospitals is seriously absent, while other parts have the integration of biophilic design, but the standardization and recognition are not high. By restoring the interaction between buildings and nature, biophilic design improves the quality of environments and the health of users. The basic theoretical framework of environmental psychology is followed in this research. The health promotion mechanism, applicable natural features, and relative health advantages of hospital space and environment biophilic design are first investigated. Furthermore, according to the current status of biophilic design applications in the 12 hospitals that have the closest interaction between people and the environment. Combined with the professional and functional requirements of the healthcare spaces and the users’ special demands, we propose appropriate update design methods. The goal of this study was to present ideas for healthy and efficient space environment design and to inspire sustainable environmental design for future healthcare environments.

The State of the Art in the Biophilic Construction of Healthy Spaces for People

“…In addition, indoor plants can reduce stress and increase pain tolerance [51]. The positive impact of biophilic design patterns in healthcare spaces has been studied, showing that direct experience of nature is more effective than simulated natural analogues [62].…”

Biophilic architecture in hospital spaces: a study on the Sarah hospital network design

“…Com a finalidade de contextualizar os conceitos do design biofílico e como são aplicados principalmente na arquitetura hospitalar, foram selecionadas primeiramente publicações referência na área de estudo do Design Biofílico (KELLERT; CALABRESE, 2015;WILSON, 1984;ZHAO;ZHAN;XU, 2022;TEKIN;CORCORAN;GUTIÉRREZ, 2022). Essas publicações serviram para definir o protocolo de pesquisa, identificando as palavras-chave, definindo os objetivos e contextualizando as perguntas que orientaram a RSL.…”

2023 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction: Beyond foundations - Mainstreaming sustainable solutions to cut emissions from the buildings sector

“…The benefits of biophilic design include a greater connection to nature that has the potential to enhance well-being and productivity, reduce stress and promote creativity and learning. In healthcare settings, it has been found to be beneficial (Zhao et al 2022). A study from the University of Oregon found that some employee absences could be attributed to office environments that lacked a view of nature (Elzeyadi 2011).…”