BIOPHILIC DESIGN
stimulating and energising. The location of the main therapeutic spaces – where activities that can lead to cognitive fatigue take place – on the valley edge, as well as the access to the exclusive use courtyard, allow users to experience constantly changing natural processes (Fig 3). Users can experience weather patterns changing as the experience of the rooms and spaces change and differ from morning, afternoon and evening: wildlife can be seen and natural sounds heard, creating brief interactions at randomised moments. Exposure to constantly changing natural processes evokes a physiological experience which restores as it stimulates and energises the user.1
Thermal and air flow variability Thermal and air flow variability creates spaces which feel refreshing and invigorating – as opposed to stale environments with no air flow - as changes to the air temperature, relative humidity and airflow can be made to closer resemble natural environments. During the design process for the ward, this pattern posed a conundrum. From a safety perspective, burglar-proofing was fitted to all opening sections of windows. This, however, posed a suicide risk to patients, and it was ultimately agreed that this could only be mitigated with fixing the windows closed permanently and providing mechanical ventilation to the interior spaces. Pre-upgrade, the bed wards were all naturally ventilated, and patients had the option of opening and closing windows themselves. What was found to happen is that
windows were either never opened – most seldomly the case – or simply left open, neither desirable from a temperature regulating perspective nor from a quality of air perspective. Ultimately, the air- conditioning units and fresh air intakes are controlled centrally from the nurses’ station and an ambient temperature of 22˚C is maintained. Bed wards feel significantly less stale as ventilation has improved tremendously. Nursing staff can also
control the ambient temperature to suit the patients’ needs, especially on days when the humidity is very high, and there is no air flow externally, as is common during the summer months. The lounge/dining area also offers the opportunity to have the door leading to the courtyard open or closed. Patients can therefore control the temperature exposure by either being inside, under the pergola (shaded) or in the sun, depending on their specific needs.
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daylight improves performance, mood, and wellbeing, while exposure to naturally changing daylight (yellow in the morning, blue at midday, red in the afternoon/ evening) improves the body’s circadian rhythm through regulating the balance between serotonin and melatonin, which in turn assists in circadian rhythms - which are linked tied to sleep hygiene (Figs 4&5). Within the bed wards, patients are
given the opportunity to regulate the extent of daylight and customise their individual lighting requirements. Windows have been fitted with block-out blinds that assist in regulating sleeping patterns, especially during summer months when the sun rises around 05:00. Patients are also able to control which lights are on in the room, depending on their requirements: l General lighting which lights the room to the required lux levels.
Figure 6. Using varying lighting intensities and types as well as lighting on vertical and horizontal surfaces, a layered visual environment together with task/personalised lighting with localised flexibility (intensity and direction) is created within the bed wards.
Dynamic and diffused light Dynamic and diffused light refers to the varying intensities of light and shadows that change over time to simulate conditions which occur naturally in nature. The linking of the internal and external spaces has been accentuated by the inclusion of a pergola-like structure internally, drawing the user’s eye to the outside. The pergola creates a diffused lighting
effect as the sun moves from the morning to the evening, creating a sense of drama internally, simulating natural conditions of lighting in nature, such as a tree with foliage casting shadows in different places as the day progresses would. Research has found that high quality
l Feature lighting such as the ‘night light’ included in the bulkhead design, creating a warm and comforting space, similar to the warm light experience late afternoon.
l Individual lighting, controlled from a switch at the bed side, for the overhead task lighting at the bed, which can be used without disruption to other patients.
l Using varying lighting intensities and types as well as lighting on vertical and horizontal surfaces, a layered visual environment together with task/personalised lighting with localised flexibility (intensity and direction) is created (Fig 6).
Natural analogues Natural analogues refer to both organic and non-living elements of nature and the feelings they provoke within us. This is achieved through mimicking objects, materials, colours, shapes, sequences, and patterns found in nature, which is then translated into artwork, ornamentation, décor and textiles in the built environment.
Material connection to nature A material connection to nature refers to the use of materials and elements found in nature to assist in the creation of spaces which are perceived to be richer, warmer and more authentic. The existing interior design of the building incorporates soft wooden accents set against spaces infused with light (Fig 7). To promote the historical
Figure 7. Aesthetics sensitive to those found in nature have been introduced in the interior spaces’ design resolution.
nature of the building, the parquet floors from the main passage space were drawn into the main circulation routes of the ward. The parquet was triple sealed for hygiene
IFHE DIGEST 2022
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