In recent years, biophilic design has gained significant attention in healthcare settings – By incorporating natural elements such as sunlight, greenery, and organic materials into hospital environments, biophilic design offers a human-centred approach that helps reconnect people with nature—a key factor in promoting health and recovery.
In this guide, we’ll explore the core principles of biophilic design in hospitals, its benefits for both patients and staff, and how healthcare facilities can effectively implement it through a professional interior fit-out.
What is Biophilic Design?
At its core, Biophilic design aims to reconnect people with nature in modern spaces. It builds on the idea that humans have evolved in close connection with the natural world for most of our history, and this bond still plays a key role in our physical and mental well-being.
The goal is to create spaces that support our health as living organisms within modern cities. Since we now spend about 90% of our time indoors, this is done by integrating natural elements into buildings and urban spaces, helping fulfill our innate connection to nature in today’s built environments.
Biophilic Design In Hospitals
From a design perspective, biophilic design in hospitals goes beyond aesthetics; it is about creating a functional and healing environment that promotes well-being. For designers, this often means thinking carefully about the materials, textures, and spatial layouts that foster a connection with nature.
Below are some of the ways Biophilic design can be incorporated into a hospital environment:
Natural Materials and Textures
The use of wood, stone, and organic fabrics creates a calming atmosphere that feels less clinical and more like home. These materials can also be selected for their sustainable qualities, contributing to the overall environmental health of the facility
Green Spaces Indoors
Green walls, potted plants, and gardens within hospital spaces are increasingly popular design choices. These elements can be incorporated into waiting areas, patient rooms, or even corridors. Note – in most hospital settings plants do need to be fake to pass CQC inspections.
Maximising Natural Light
Large windows, skylights, and reflective surfaces can help distribute sunlight throughout the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting and aligning with patients’ circadian rhythms.
This can improve sleep and overall recovery rates, as natural light is a known factor in mood improvement and physical healing.
The Benefits of Biophilic Design in Hospitals
1. Faster Recovery Times
One of the most profound benefits of biophilic design is its impact on patient recovery times. A landmark study by Roger Ulrich found that patients with views of nature had hospital stays that were an average of 18 hours shorter compared to those without such views. Other studies have echoed these findings, with biophilic elements like natural light and access to plants shown to reduce the need for pain medication by 22%.
2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
For patients, exposure to greenery, natural light, and soothing colours has been proven to lower blood pressure and heart rates, contributing to overall relaxation during their stay. Hospital environments that incorporate plants or even murals of nature scenes can decrease stress levels, enhancing the healing process.
3. Staff Well-being and Retention
Hospitals aren’t just healing environments for patients; they also need to support staff well-being. Incorporating biophilic design into break rooms or communal spaces helps reduce staff stress and improves job satisfaction. Studies show that healthcare workers who have access to natural light at work sleep an average of 46 minutes more per night, leading to better focus and productivity at work. This leads to better patient care and reduced turnover, a significant expense for healthcare facilities.
4. Employees take less sick leave
A three-phase study conducted by the University of Oregon found that employees with more natural light and views of nature took less sick leave. Employees with poor light and views took 68 hours of sick leave per year, while team members with natural light views of landscapes and trees took an average of 57 hours per year.
5. Patients tend to use less medication
Patients should be able to get the medication they need during surgery recovery. However, patients who had exterior lighting and views tended to use less pain medication. Studies have shown that patients take up to 22% less pain medication compared to others without exterior lighting and views.
The Economic Case for Biophilic Design
Beyond the health benefits, according to the data biophilic design even offers economic advantages. Hospitals that incorporate these elements can see lower staff turnover, increased patient satisfaction, and ultimately, financial gains.
For instance, reducing a patient’s length of stay by just one day could save hospitals an estimated $12.3 million annually. Additionally, improving patient satisfaction scores through biophilic interventions could lead to higher reimbursements from insurance companies, further enhancing a facility’s bottom line.
Is Biophilic Design Actually More Sustainable?
By integrating natural elements such as sunlight, ventilation, and greenery into hospital environments, biophilic design can reduce energy consumption. Maximising natural light can lower the need for artificial lighting, cutting energy usage. Or incorporating sustainable materials such as wood, stone, and organic fabrics improves indoor air quality and supports eco-friendly sourcing
To learn more about how HE Interiors can transform your hospital space, explore our workplace design services and our expertise in the medical sector. For a consultation, feel free to contact us.
