Hospital Design Should Consider the Psychological Aspects of Healing

Research has long confirmed that aspects of hospital design can support a patient's health and well-being during their stay

Empirical research has shown that natural daylight, contact with nature ,and a pleasant indoor environment promote a sense of well-being that benefits patient recovery.Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Long before COVID-19 made the public aware of the importance of good air ventilation, designers had been concerned with how physical environments affect people’s well-being and mental health.

In the 20th century, hospital design underwent a profound change. Hospitals used to be a place for only the treatment of diseases and injuries—or places strongly associated with death.