BIOPHILIC DESIGN
purposes. Together with this, a light, mottled vinyl finish, which is perceived as feeling warmer under foot was introduced. Warm lighting tones were also included in the design.
Other smaller hints at material finishes
include: l Deep, sea green feature elements, which tie to the significance of colour in the space.
l Wood imitation tiling features at basins, which can often be perceived as clinical in appearance.
l Formica inserts in joinery items, mimicking natural wooden furniture, while maintaining durability.
It has been proven that the inclusion of natural materials and elements has a positive impact on the user’s experience of space – both physiological and psychological – as the space feels (tactile) more inclusive and appears (aesthetics) more friendly (warmer and richer).
Nature of the space Nature of the space refers to replicating spatial configurations found in nature, in the built environment.
Prospect The pattern of prospect refers to unobstructed views over a large distance, for surveillance and planning. It is important to note that when referring to interior design, prospect can be interpreted as the overall expanse of space visible to the user at any one time when inside. Patients being admitted to the ward would often, due to the nature of their illness, be unable to fully comprehend a space and their place within it. To mitigate this experience, clear,
unobstructed views within the ward itself was essential. Upon entry into the ward, the nurses’ station as main control ‘centre’ is clearly visible. From there, an open plan configuration leads into each of the bed wards, and the location of the bathrooms are clearly marked and visible. In essence, a patient can stand in the middle of the ward, and be able to identify their room, the bathrooms and the nurses’ station, three important use areas for orientation purposes. The legible open plan configuration creates a feeling of safety and control. It is important to note that this interpretation is particular to this specific design, as larger open expanses of space can make a user feel threatened. From a nursing perspective, the
prospect pattern is equally important. The centrally located nurses’ station allows nursing staff to survey their surroundings, both when standing and when seated. This together with glazed sliding doors into bed wards (frosted) allows nursing staff to observe patients without intruding on them. The bathrooms are located behind the nurses’ station in particular, to
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Figure 8. The bench located opposite the lounge/dining area shows the utilisation of the refuge pattern. This has been achieved by the creation of a vertical plane (wall) behind the user as well as a plane over the user (pergola), which is perceived as protective. The user is still able to experience interactions with their surroundings while feeling safe.
allow nursing staff to have quick access should a patient fall and injure themselves.
Refuge Refuge is characterised through the creation of a place for withdrawal in which the user is protected from behind and overhead, without being separated from the surrounding spaces. Due to the nature of patients and the potential risks they pose to themselves and others, it was important to create areas of refuge or break-away spaces, while still maintaining visual continuity by the nursing staff. A place of refuge feels safe from the
surrounding environment – creating a feeling of contemplation, embrace, and protection without necessarily disengaging from the surrounds. Places of refuge are important for restoration and stress reduction. It also carries the additional benefits of reducing irritation, fatigue and vulnerability while improving concentration, attention and a perception of safety (Fig 8). Within the external courtyard, two benches have been provided for users to retreat to. The bench located opposite the lounge/dining area shows the utilisation of the refuge pattern. This has been achieved by the creation of a vertical plane (wall) behind the user as well as a plane over the user (pergola), which is perceived as protective. The user is still able to experience
interactions with their surroundings, while feeling safe. The nursing staff also maintain a direct line of sight to this bench. The other bench is more secluded
and sheltered from the back and side through the building itself and the enclosing courtyard wall. The boundary wall has been designed to allow glimpses of the valley beyond, without compromising on safety. Nursing staff can still monitor patients through the inclusion of CCTV cameras in the area. Within the wards themselves, beds
have been positioned in such a way that larger items of furniture – such as clothing cupboards – create separate areas for patients to identify as their own. The inclusion of a shelf over the beds creates the opportunity for patients to customise their space with sentimental items, which engenders a feeling of comfort while providing a lower overhead plane signifying exclusivity of space. As architects and interior designers,
we are privy to a multitude of natural resources, which, with careful planning and utilisation allows us to create spaces which, especially in a psychiatric hospital environment, can contribute to the overall patient experience and road to recovery, without compromising compliance to regulations and requirements.
References 1 Browning W, Ryan C, Clancy J. 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design – Improving Health & Wellbeing in the Built Environment, 2014 [
https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/ reports/14-patterns] .
2 Life Healthcare. Life Hunterscraig Hospital [
https://www.lifehealthcare.co.za/hospitals/ eastern-cape/port-elizabeth/life- hunterscraig-hospital].
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