Table of Contents
‘Architecture is the art of reconciliation between ourselves and the world, and this mediation takes place through the senses.’
– Juhani Pallasmaa
Healing architecture is much more than just volumes and aesthetics. Thoughtful architecture is a way to foster physical and mental well-being. In recent years, especially in healthcare and wellness facilities, the concept of Evidence-Based Design (EBD) has become integral. This approach utilises research and data to create environments that improve health outcomes. For example, hospitals incorporating EBD principles have shown reduced patient recovery times and improved overall patient well-being.
Healing architecture is a philosophy that promotes human well-being and comfort. Architects prioritise human comfort while designing such spaces. Let’s look into some healing architecture masterpieces across the globe to get a better idea about this philosophy.
Also Read: Importance of Architecture in Everyday Life
Healing Architecture: Top 10 Examples
1. Second Home Holland Park, United Kingdom
Courtesy - Second Home
Designed by Selgascano, Second Home Holland Park is a small space with an extremely loud personality. The entire site comprises five buildings nestled in an area of 800 sq.m and each structure is designed with a unique volume.
The design incorporates a skylight, staircase, vine, and a bridge, which plays a major role. The courtyards offer a seamless connection with nature, leveraging biophilic design principles. Architecture and healing go hand in hand, as seen in this space, which is aesthetically pleasing and also mentally rejuvenating.
2. Mango Bay Resort Spa, Vietnam
Courtesy - Mango Bay
Envisioned by P. I Architects, the Mango Bay Resort Spa isn’t just a refreshing retreat, but also offers mental comfort. The resort uses eco-friendly materials and local building techniques like rammed earth walls, which are both sustainable and psychologically comforting due to their natural, earthy qualities. The integration of natural elements into the design reflects the core tenets of the architecture of healing, where the built environment promotes well-being through its materials and spatial arrangement.
Spread across 10 hectares of land, the design revolves around a rustic theme and embeds simplicity in each element. The site accommodates four buildings, shaded walkways, and natural landscaping. Apart from synchronisation with the natural site context, the project also adopted local building techniques like rammed earth walls that enhance the healing experience.
3. Between Royal Azalea and Silvergrass, South Korea
Courtesy - Jun-hwan Yoon
Between Royal Azalea and Silvergrass is a public space designed by D.LIM architects that serves as a serene getaway. The structure is low to the ground, maximising its openness to the surrounding natural views. This design choice aligns with the principles of sensory architecture, where visual and tactile experiences enhance emotional well-being. The open views and the building’s harmonious relationship with its environment make it a perfect example of healing architecture.
4. Bridgepoint Active Healthcare, Canada
Courtesy - kpmb
Bridgepoint Active Healthcare, designed by a collaboration of architects, is a prime example of how architecture can merge with the community to promote well-being. The design incorporates natural light and landscaping essential for patient recovery. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can significantly improve mood and reduce stress, making it a crucial element in healing architecture design.
5. Together Hostel, China
Courtesy - Architecture Masterprize
Together Hostel, designed by Cao Pu Studio, offers a communal living space that encourages social interaction and physical activity. The design features open indoor layouts that welcome natural light, fostering a sense of togetherness and reducing the feelings of isolation that can negatively impact mental health. This design approach is a practical application of healing architecture principles, where space is created for living and enhancing social and psychological well-being.
6. The House of Silence, Ecuador
Courtesy - Archdaily
The House of Silence, designed by Natura Futura Arquitectura, serves as a peaceful retreat within the city. The design balances architecture and healing by creating a tranquil environment that mutes external noise and maximises natural light and open spaces. This project exemplifies how architecture can be used to create meditative spaces that promote mental well-being through thoughtful design.
7. Muktangan Rehabilitation Centre, Pune
Courtesy - Muktangan Rehabilitation Centre
Designed by Shirish Beri Architects, this centre focuses on the design that heals. The design incorporates transparent spaces, open areas, and abundant natural light to create a healing environment that encourages interaction among patients. This approach aligns with evidence-based design principles that emphasise the importance of natural elements and social interaction in recovery.
8. Alzheimer’s Village, France
Courtesy - Nord Architecture
NORD Architects designed Alzheimer’s Village as a care home for dementia patients, focusing on creating a sense of belonging and safety. The design is based on local culture and nature, with familiar and unobstructed surroundings that reduce the complexity of living for patients. This project illustrates how culturally sensitive architecture can enhance mental well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations.
9. Sayanomoto Clinic, Japan
Courtesy - Naoomi Kurozumi
Yamazaki Kentaro Design Workshop, used healing architecture design principles for this mental health clinic in Japan that offers a safe healing environment for dementia patients. The design features an outdoor garden inspired by traditional rice fields, creating a familiar and calming environment for patients. The inclusion of a ‘Learning’ zone further enhances the healing process by educating patients and their families about dementia, fostering understanding and support.
10. Rammed Earth Yoga Studio, United Kingdom
Courtesy - enkimagazine
Invisible Studio designed this yoga studio with natural materials like rammed earth and beech
slats, creating a warm and immersive space. The studio opens up to views of the sky, enhancing the meditative experience. The design exemplifies how architecture can foster mental and physical well-being through the use of natural materials and light.
Speed Up the Healing: 5 Effective Strategies
Let’s look into the easy yet effective tips to ensure healing through architecture.
1. The Guiding Nature
There’s nothing more comforting than being surrounded by nature. A seamless blend of natural and built environment acts as a mental balm. For example, integrating plants and natural views into buildings has been shown to reduce stress and improve cognitive function, embodying the “design that heals” philosophy.
2. Keep’em Active
Spaces should make us active, rather than contributing to sedentary lifestyle. Healing architecture incorporates elements like staircases, walking paths, and activity zones to keep users physically engaged.
3. Towards Earthiness
Use natural tones and materials in interiors helps create a comforting environment. Earthy shades and textures not only relieve mental stress but also reduce visual strain, promoting a calming atmosphere.
4. Air and Views
Ensure plenty of natural light, fresh air, and outdoor views in your design. Fresh air and a connection to the outdoors through windows or open spaces can significantly enhance comfort and reduce stress.
5. Interaction Zones
Design spaces that foster interactions and conversations, as these are key to the healing process. Open and visually connected spaces encourage socialisation, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and enhancing mental well-being.
A Design that Heals!
In an era where mental health is a global concern, architecture must offer relief and tranquillity. The easiest way to achieve this is by encouraging interaction—not only among people but also between spaces, design elements, and nature. Architecture for healing can be a powerful tool for enhancing the quality of life.
Also Read:
Inclusive Architecture: Creating Spaces for People with Special Needs
Understanding the Influence of Neuroarchitecture on Built Environment
Healing Architecture FAQs
1. What does the term healing architecture mean?
Healing architecture refers to as built environments that supports the recovery process of users. It emphasises the integration of natural elements, such as sunlight and air, while creating spaces that promote mental and physical well-being.
2. What elements promote healing?
Healing architecture incorporates natural elements like sunlight, air, plants, and organic materials to create spaces that foster well-being. These elements create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also psychologically comforting.
3. Can architecture affect the well-being of the users?
Architecture can effortlessly influence the human mind. A dark place may invoke fear, while the same space, when properly lit, can offer comfort. Therefore, thoughtful design that considers both aesthetics and the mental well-being of users is crucial.
4. Which spaces are good for healing?
Spaces with ample natural light, a strong connection to nature, and areas that promote interaction are considered healing environments. These elements create a balanced and comforting atmosphere that supports mental and physical well-being.
Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.