Hospitals Should Embrace Nature to Improve Healing

Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:51 PM by Betty Brennan in Professional and Industry Tips


My dad was in the hospital for seven weeks before he passed away. I was his POA and had to make some tough medical decisions with my family. I lived two hours away from the hospital and made many trips. Often I would bring my dog, Inka. She travels well and is used to hanging out in a vehicle. This offered some reprieve when I had to leave the noisy beeping, stress, sadness and decision-making that was often happening in my dad’s room. I would go out to walk and check on her. Walking her through the stark concrete parking garage, noise of city streets, barely any greenery or quiet didn’t make this the ideal break, yet those moments did help my mind.

Imagine if hospitals were designed to heal the body, mind and spirit. What would the physical spaces look like to achieve this? We know that nature heals. Looking at nature and being in nature reduces fear and stress. It increases pleasant feelings. It has been proven that viewing nature allows patients to tolerate pain better. Nature triggers relaxation and positivity. Why wouldn’t we design hospitals with characteristics of the natural world?

Imagine a hospital that provided some type of nature area on every floor. Maybe it is as simple as a wall mural of a forest and furniture that is the color of or mimics nature. There could be structural columns wrapped in tree bark with a canopy to sit under. Sounds of nature could be added. To provide some private spaces half walls in the shape of bushes could be used as dividers. Simulated clouds could be added to the ceiling. How about animal models positioned throughout that could also be used for way finding. Adding some elements of fun and functionality like a giant nest as a seating area could help enhance well-being. Various plants, animals, sounds, pictures and more could be placed strategically throughout a hospital environment. Outdoor nature gardens would be wonderful too.

These types of soothing design elements could easily improve patient satisfaction and wellness. It also may help reduce staff turnover and productivity. Nature has been known to improve recovery periods also.

Let’s look for the hospitals of the future to add the sights and sounds of nature to heal the body, mind and spirit. These positive distractions could do wonders. Wouldn’t you prefer this hospital over the traditional stark white walled one?

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