Insights & Solutions

Schmid, H.-L., Nowak, A., Oeljeklaus, L., McCall, T., Hornberg, C., Caspers, B. A., & Zerbe, S. (2024). Greenspaces of psychiatric clinics and patient perceptions: A mixed-methods exploration. People and Nature

This slidecast summarizes the work of Schmid et al. (2024) who explored patient perceptions of greenspaces outside of two psychiatric clinics in Germany. Researchers selected two different facilities and collected data from users of two outdoor locations at each facility (a lawn, a pond, a lawn with trees, and a sports area). They mapped findings according to the Perceived Sensory Dimensions (PSD) framework which describes the aesthetic needs people have regarding the outdoors. The PSD framework includes the eight dimensions of natural, serene, cohesive, open, cultural, social, diverse, and sheltered. Design implications include specific recommendations to incorporate multifunctional elements that can support a variety of needs and preferences when considering outdoor patient areas.

Arafat, M. Y., & Atreya, S. (2024). Impact of hospital design on the psychological well-being of geriatric patients. Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment

Understanding how vulnerable patient populations perceive healthcare design can improve the mental, emotional, and health outcomes for all. The goal of this study was to explore geriatric in-patients’ perceived comfort, well-being, and stress in relation to design features in healthcare environments. Environmental factors identified through a review of the literature were categorized, used to evaluate three different hospital settings, and scrutinized in relation to geriatric in-patients’ perceived stress. Analysis revealed subtle preferences and significant insights into the architectural features enhancing comfort and reducing stress for geriatric patients during their hospital stays. Notably, the quantity and type of furnishings, proximity to services and environmental control features, and attributes affording privacy were revealed to be most influential for patient comfort, control, and anxiety.

This one-day virtual workshop provides the latest thinking in what is driving the future of healthcare, and offers perspectives from a myriad of professions through presentations, case studies, and conversation from experts in the field. Attendees will have opportunities to pose questions to workshop faculty and interact with fellow attendees in thoughtful and meaningful ways.

This one-day virtual workshop provides the latest in design thinking for a variety of behavioral health care settings and offers state-of-the-art best practices through thought leader presentations, case studies, and panel discussions. Attendees will have opportunities to pose questions to workshop faculty and interact with fellow attendees.

As individuals age, physical, mental, and societal challenges become more prevalent. This intensive one-day virtual workshop explores those challenges and discusses programming and design interventions that can assist people (and care givers). Expert faculty will present case studies and examples that integrate architecture, design and technology into living environments that are not only safe, but foster wellness and longevity.