Humanised hospitals heal faster 21 October, 2006
Well-designed hospitals help patients recover more quickly according to this New York Times article.
A sprinkling of architects and designers around the world are working to greatly change hospitals by humanizing their design, a concept that is slowly gaining influence in Europe and the United States.
The idea is obvious: Build inviting, soothing hospitals, graced with soft lighting, inspiring views, single rooms, curved corridors, relaxing gardens and lots of art, and patients will heal quicker, nurses will remain loyal to their employers and doctors will perform better …
Their research shows, for example, that patients who can see trees instead of cars from their windows recover more quickly …
Actually, this is a concept that’s been gaining influence for over a hundred years. If you ever visit Barcelona, check out Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. Completed in 1910, this working hospital is the equal of it’s better known architectural neighbour the Sagrada Familia, but is often overlooked. The architect, Lluis Domenech i Montaner, wanted to create an environment that would stimulate patients, helping them recover more quickly. Having visited it, I can say that he definitely succeeded (are any of the hospitals in your area tourist attractions?) In fact he may have been too successful. It’s such a wonderful place that as a patient you can’t imagine ever wanting to leave.
Via 37 Signals. Photo from Mariana Steiner on flickr. See more Sant Pau pictures.