Color Choice in healthcare Design & Its Effect on Human Health and Psychology

+Color choice in Health Care Design & Its effect

on Health and Psychology

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Contents

I. Color + Health 1.1 Human Response to Color

1.2 Color and Health

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II. Color + Health Care Environment 2.1 Color in Health Care Environment 2.2 Goals of Healing Environment 2.3 Colors of Healing Environment 2.4 Color 2.5 Room by Room Color Recommendations 2.5.1 Public Spaces 2.5.2 Patient and Family Spaces 2.5.3 Pediatrics 2.5.4 Maternity, NICU and Nurseries 2.5.5 Surgical Areas 2.5.6 Emergency Rooms and Treatment 2.5.7 Sta� Areas 2.6 Color + Material 2.6.1 Soft furnishings 2.6.2 Textiles 2.6.3 Bed-linen 2.6.4 Blankets and top linen 2.6.5 Upholstery 2.6.6 Window treatments 2.6.7 Curtains III. Wood and Human Health 3.1 Theoretical Background 3.2 Building Health with Wood 3.3 Select Health Benefits of Nature

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COLOR + HEALTH

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Human Response to ColorThe response of the body and mind to color is in�uenced by cortical activation, the autonomic nervous system, and hormone activation. Color evokes emotional responses that produce feelings of serenity or agitation that can aggravate or alleviate stress (see Table !-1 for the hum-an’s responses to color). Color can also affect an individual’s emotional state, inducing cheerfulness, agitation, or calmness.

Emotional responses to color cannot be simply measured or limited just to any one particular hue. Color’s effect on mood is ever changing as perceptions of our environment change. Color isn’t seen in isolation, and therefore most of our visual responses occur as a result of the comb-ination of colors, color in context with the immediate surroundings, and the interplay of light and texture as well as shape.

Color perception is affected by individual associations of color. This is affected by culture, society, politics, entertainment/ media, fashion, and design trends. Our experience to color can be categorized in one of four experiences: 1. the luminosity or saturation of the hue (bright/dull, light/dark) ; 2. the color as it relates to a particular object to which we’ve assigned emotional attachment ; 3. our emotional response to a particular color (like or dislike) and ; 4. the character or mood a color expresses to a particular observer. The latter is often the result of social and cultural biases that have imp -rinted these characteristics into our psyche, along with the media thro -ugh television, the Internet, and magazines.

Effect of Color on Human Health: 1. Colors Possess arousing or calming properties 2. Colors Have Advancing or Receding Properties 3. Colors Affect the Sense of Spaciousness 4. Colors Affect the Psychophysical Judgment of Time Passage 5. Colors Affect Thermal Comfort 6. Colors Affect Other Senses

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TABLE 1-1 Human Response to Color

Color Common Association Nature Symbol

Red High energy, passion, excitementraised blood pressure

Earth

Orange Emotional expression, warmth Sunset

Yellow Optimism, clarity, intellect, mood enhancement, excitement, aging

Sun

Green Healing, nurturing, unconditional love Growth

Blue Relaxation, serenity, loyality, calming, healing

Sky and Ocean

Indigo Meditation, spirituality Sunset

Violet Spirituality, stress reducer, feeling of inner calmness

Violet �ower

Sources: Friedrich, 1999; Naughton, 2003.

The Society of Critical Care Medicine recommends using calming colors that promote rest in critical care units.

Blues, greens, and violet are appropriate, because they have healing and calming in�uences and are stress-reducing colors.

Reds, orange, and yellow colors should be avoided, because they induc-e excitement, increase blood pressure, and can cause fatigue.

Many studies have concluded that cool colors have a tendency to calm, whereas warm colors excite. As another technique for using color in the environment, Stichler (2001) suggests creating painted ceilings for patie-nts to view while they are lying in bed.

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Color and HealthColor can affect our brainwaves, emotions, and biological systems. Col-ored surfaces and colored light have the ability to increase and decrea-se heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature, and can be used to treat cancer, depression, and bacterial infections. Color therapy, or chromo therapy, is the “practice of using colored light and color in the environment to cure speci�c illness and in general to bri-ng about bene�cial health effect”. Historically, ancient Egypt and certain Asian cultures’ use of coloras a healing tool were common. Our bodies are like prisms; we absorb white light and, thus, all colors. Dif�culty in breathing can be offset by natural light �ltered through yellow glass. Migraine headaches can be treated with sunlight �ltered throughblue glass. Depression has been known to be treated with red light, and nervousness and irritability with blue light. A sore throat can be eased with the use if green light. Individual who has lost there their sight can have their mood affected by the transmission of colored light, releasing a hormone in the hypothalamus that controls mood.

In his attempt to explain the differences between color healing and color therapy, Mahnke (1996) claimed that color can be therapeutic, but it do-es not mean sleeping in blue sheets to relieve backaches or drinking illu-minated yellow water to relieve constipation. Mahnke confessed that in his early years as a color researcher he denounced color healing on the same basis that many do.

As an example for his ambivalence toward color therapy he made a reference to a book by Christa Muths (1989), who listed nine methods of co-lor healing for high blood pressure, low blood pressure, allergies, depre-ssion, cancer, and other ailments to restore proper balance:

1.Color intake through foods 2. Irradiation with the inherent color 3. Color intake through drinking (color irradiated water) 4. Bathing in colored water 5. Sunbathing in color 6. Irradiation with color (speci�c parts of the body) 7. Visualizing color (breathing exercises coupled with the visualiz-tion of color in sequence of the rainbow colors) 8. Breathing color (a visualized color is inhaled and exhaled) 9. Color meditation

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Health Problem Healing Color

Dif�culty in breathing Natural light �ltered through yellow glass

Migraine headaches Sunlight �ltered through blue glass

Depression Redlight

Sore throat Green Light

TABLE 1.2 Color & Healing

Tremors, twitching and Muscle spasms

Green

Anxiety Purple

Low level of oxygen supply to Brain Orange

Cool colors( smoke, ash, chrome, white, frost, grey, charcoal, grphite,

silver & stone )

Agitated, hypertensive, or anxious individuals

Nervousness and irritability Blue light

Boredom, depressive affect & appetiteHigh heart beat, high blood pressure, temperature, Muscle pains

Shades of Blue

Upset stomach, Normal Headachs Pink color

Sources: Color + Design,Ron Reed; 2012. Functional Color and Design in Healthcare Environments; by Glidden Professional

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COLOR +

HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT

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Color In Health Care EnvironmentApplied research and careful study conducted by professionals on the impact of color and design on healthcare settings have changed the design palette used in new healthcare settings. There is a wide consensus that there is no clear evidence suggesting that any one color is effective in ac-hieving a particular healthcare outcome. In fact, the highly subjective nature of color, color combinations as well as cultural associations of color palettes make the selection of effective color for any environment dif�cult to predict. However, data does suggest that design professionals who understand the elements of color and the introduction of nature into heal-thcare environments can make an impact on healing.

In addition, one of the newest mandates for healthcare design is to beco-me stewards of the environment—a re�ection of the medical mandate 'to do no harm.'

Goals of Healing EnvironmentsThere are three principal goals to every healing environment. Healthcare designers strive 1) to heal the patient, 2) support the staff and 3) engage the family. The �rst goal is to heal the patient. A primary focus is to make sure that patients spend all of their energy �ghting the disease—not the healthcare environment. Research reveals that individuals in healthcare settings nationwide agree that privacy, respect as an individual and their safety and security were the highest priorities for their care setting. Imple-menting EBD (Evidence Based Design) design theories that respond to these priorities has shown to improve patient satisfaction. Design professionals using EBD have identi�ed 12 aspects of a healing environment that have the ability to be a part of the healing process. These include: 1. Single patient rooms 2. Ergonomics 3. Furniture arrangement4. Air quality 5. Windows 6. Way �nding 7. Building layouts and zoning 8. Access to nature 9. Light – particularly natural daylight 10. Floor materials 11. Noise control 12. Positive distraction through the use of aesthetics

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Although there is no exact “design medicine,” hospitals with designers who pay attention to these 12 areas achieve results for hospital caregivers. Health care design professionals should aim to provide patient's cont-rol over their environment and thoughtful accommodations for all care-givers including family members and friends.

Colors of a Healing EnvironmentThe use of nature as a design principle is not new to healthcare design or to the principles of new movements such as bio-mimicry. The range of co-lors can include fresh new green found in spring’s �rst growth to the dee-pening green leaves and grass of summer. Spring and summer also bring pops of color from �owering blooms including red, yellow, white, purple and blue. Ochre, amber, gold, �re red, oranges and deep burgundy co-me with the leaves and plants of fall. Browns and grays are revealed on the bare tree branches and trunks as winter arrives.

Bringing these earth tones into the hospital interior provides a soothing, calming environment that promotes healing. The use of a nature-inspired color palette helped to enhance the sense of healing and well-being that the hospital wanted to promote.

The hospital with Planetree model of patient-centered care has various advantages. The core components of design included these principles: • Human interaction • Importance of family, friends and social support • Patient access to information and education • Nutritional and nurturing aspects of food • Healing environments through architecture and interior design • Arts and entertainment programs • Spirituality • Importance of human touch • Complementary therapies • Healthy communities

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Pictiure taken at local hosiptal. The colors used in patients rooms are blue and white for most of the objetcs

ColorAs shown in many studies, our feelings about color depend on many fa-cets of our physiological and psychological pro�les. Color may be an important emotional trigger, however, there is no clear evidence to sugg-est that any one color is effective in achieving a particular healthcare outcome. Humans are complex and it is not possible to provide one de-sign solution for all cultures, places and activities. Designing for unique human beings requires the design of unique built environments.

The way humans 'see' color depends on many variables from previous knowledge to associations and emotions. Studies suggest that humans that have had a negative experience, such as receiving a vaccination (while wearing a green sweater) or a positive experience, like a birthday party, (while wearing a green dress) associate and are in�uenced by their following experiences with this color.

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ROOM BY ROOM: COLOR RECOMMENDATIONS

According to Melinda Gray, senior color consultant at Glidden Professional: “There is no one color or palette of colors that can be speci�ed to guarantee healing in healthcare settings. In order to create an atmosphere in the hospital setting that appeals to all of the �ve senses, the design prof-essional can de�ne a number of color and design goals for major areas and departments. From public spaces to operating rooms, there are num-erous ways to specify color to enhance the hospital setting.”

The following is a review of many typical healthcare departments. To pr-ovide visual clarity and to enhance the healing process for patients, to improve the environment for caregivers and to enhance the working at-mosphere for staff the following design recommendations are based on current color and EBD theories.

Public SpacesPublic spaces in a hospital range from lobbies and waiting rooms, to co-rridors, nursing stations and cafeterias. Lobbies and waiting rooms wel-come the patient and their family to the healthcare setting. These areas should be welcoming and promote social interaction through comfortab-le, movable furniture and different levels of lighting that can offer some control to visitors. Many designers choose cool colors where wait times will be lengthy and add color elements for positive distraction. The pale-tte chosen for waiting areas should be calming and soothing with a var-iety of color accents and art for visual interest.

Corridors consume large areas within the hospital. Generally, corridors in public spaces can be painted using a wide variety of colors. Designers may choose to incorporate warm and visually comforting colors for these vast spaces. Visual calmness when colors are being selected for corridors can be important when �nalizing a palette for other parts of the hospital. For example, in surgical and intensive care corridors, the design profess-ional might select cooler tones to suggest tranquility.

In contrast, bright colors may be used in the corridors of the pediatric wing of the hospital. Sections of long corridors can be broken up with color blocking to provide interest, color and ease in navigation. Accent-ing ends of corridors provides visual clues for visitors and can identify destinations. The use of color in corridors can be the visual mechanism that provides the continuity and essence of the services on each �oor.

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Image taken at Pratiksha Hospital, guwahati, Assam. Here the curtens bed sheets used are more color fulland they create very claming & relaxing environment in patients room.

Color selections should include a variety of hues and avoid the institution-al stereotypes of the past. Nurses' stations are critical to the healthcare process and must be easily identi�ed by visitors and staff. Friendly, cheer-ful color selections are important for these spaces. Every effort should be made to connect decentralized nursing stations, through color and design to the main desk. This connection is important in making staff feel emoti-onally linked to the medical team.

Cafeterias, dining and gift areas are places of diversion and a time to escapefrom the typical hospital setting. Design professionals use these areas as a place to create an entirely different atmosphere from one that has been established in the main healthcare facility. In general, the desi-gner should use the following design concepts: • Create a unique atmosphere • Provide an oasis from the real world • Use a distinctive color palette • Provide access to nature • Select furniture that promotes social interaction • Create small, flexible groupings • Enhance relative privacy • Design to enhance the dining experience

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Recent trends in healthcare settings for patient rooms are the creation of homelike settings. Important patient essentials are the inclusion of family, comfort and privacy. In addition, patients should feel connected to the outside world and have a sense of control. The following concepts provi-de some tools for designing the patient room. • Light ceilings • Nature inspired artwork • Windows w/scenic views • Single bed rooms • Same handed rooms • Family spaces • Guest sleeping accommodations • Desk and locked storage • Convenient work surfaces for staff • Linen and supply storage

A 1984 study by Roger Ulrich revealed that patients who had a window required less medication. Studies show that views of nature or natural images results in decreased pain and patients spend less time in hospitals. According to some researchers, even images of nature in patient rooms resulted in lower sensory pain responses.

The selection of a color palette is based on the designer's intention. Most designers use one base color in healthcare settings although multi-color schemes from two colors to many colors are gaining in acceptance. Oft-en soft warm tones of rose, coral, peach and yellow or cooler tones of green, teal or blue are balanced with comfortable neutrals in patient rooms. The goal is to provide visibility of many colors through artwork, fabrics and accessories in each room so patients have the bene�t of a complete spectrum. However, it is best to refrain from using strong color on the head wall as colors may re�ect on the patient's skin and make di-agnosis dif�cult.

Patient and Family Spaces

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Pediatric environments offer the ability to turn up the color creating a wel-coming and fun space. The goal is to create a positive mindset and ma-ke children part of the process with interactive activities and a sense of control. Creating a residential style that masks medical equipment can provide a comfortable and nonthreatening environment. Primarily clear and light colors add brightness. Windows and skylights can provide vie-ws of nature. A variety of color accents provide creative mental diversio-ns from the world of medicine. Learning and fun activities in the room or waiting areas will keep children focused on creativity as they heal. Youth activity areas should incorporate cognitive stimulation and design-ers may use large amounts of bright color on walls. Colorful artwork created by other children offers comfort in the foreign atmosphere of the he-althcare facility. Realistic art with limited fantasy themes can provide re-assurance to young patients. Teens require bolder, stimulating color for their social zones. Adaptable furniture and a way to �nd privacy and moments of escape will help to create a safe haven for young adults. St-aff and parents should aim for an environment that closely simulates normal life even though they are in the hospital.

Maternity, NICU and Nurseries Enhanced maternity areas provide an excellent experience for new moth-ers and sometimes begin the life-long relationship with the healthcare fa-cility. Home-centered design, art and improved aesthetics align with the perception of excellent care. Women in labor had an average 2.1 hours less of delivery time and requested fewer epidurals to block pain, when visual art was incorporated in the room. Delivery/birthing rooms should be soothing in nature. Colors may range from warm, comforting tones to those that are cooler and relaxing.

In 1957, Dr. Heinrich Frieling founded the Institute of Color Consultants/Designers (IACC) to train architects, designers, educators and scientists around the world on the psychology of color. His research on infants su-ggests that colors in nurseries should be lighter in hue and have low ch-romatic values. The translucent skin of infants re�ect color; therefore, pa-le neutrals and off-whites are preferred rather than pink, yellow, green, blue and gray which can make diagnosis and medical evaluations more dif�cult for the doctor. In general, off-whites and pale neutrals that are between 55 percent and 75 percent LRV are in an acceptable range for these areas.

Pediatrics

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Surgical suites in the 1960s and 1970s were designed for the function and the technology of the era. Most surgical rooms had ceramic tile wa-lls and conductive �ooring. Today's designers are �nding that surgical environments are best when calming and soothing to patients as well as creating a professional and inspirational work atmosphere for staff. Dep-ending on surgery performed, color selections may vary. In general, ne-utrals, greens, teals and blues are chosen due to their cool and soothing qualities. Many new surgical suites are offering LED lighting with �lters that can ch-ange the color of the lighting to one chosen by the patient. Glass panels have been incorporated into rooms to mask equipment, sometimes etch-ed with scenes of nature. The Society of Critical Care Medicine recomm-ends using calming colors that promote rest in critical care units. Frank Mahnke, president of the IACC, advocates quiet and relaxing tones with perhaps even a slightly warm color to lift the spirits in recovery rooms of patients who have just undergone surgery.

Surgical Areas

Color used in surgical areas provides a calming and soothing atmosphere for patients as well as an inspirational and functional work atmosphere for staff

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Barbara Huelat, AAHID, FASID, IIDA, is one of the designers on Project ER One, a federally funded initiative to examine the ideal emergency ro-om in case of mass casualties due to a terrorist attack at the nation's ca-pital. In the design of this prototype, Huelat recommends that emergency environments need to be areas with soft and muted palettes based on na-ture. The focus of good design is to achieve safety, comfort and speed. All materials used in ER rooms should be selected for good acoustic valu-es and the ability to mitigate the spread of bacteria.

Exam and consultation rooms may need to incorporate neutral colors th-at will not interfere with visual diagnosis. The addition of imagery that conveys a nature theme supports the goal of creating a comforting expe-rience. The 21st century design professional will need a complete set of design tools to enhance healing and well-being in healthcare settings. These in-clude great acoustics, integrative lighting schemes, good ventilation and mechanical systems as well as complex color palettes. Patient surveys & feedback loops are beginning to help hold hospitals accountable regard-ing many elements of satisfaction with their care. Concern for safety, co-mfort and well-being will yield healing environments that help to “do good and to do no harm.”

Sta� Areas Due to the critical nature of observation, labs are best supported by whi-tes, off-whites, tan, beige or gray tones. It is best to add color only as an accent on furniture, seating and with artwork. Work stations should be visible and use good ergonomic design. Staff lounges can be designed as a respite from the rest of the hospital areas incorporating bright colors, and contemporary artwork.

Emergency Rooms and Treatment Areas

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Color and MaterialSoft furnishingsThese are materials used in bedding, linens, curtains, screens, cushions and upholstery. For patients, the materials immediately next to their skin, forming their bed surroundings, are the most important in creating a feel-ing of comfort and cleanliness. An important request by patients is for bedding and linen that makes them feel a little less institutionalised.

TextilesBoth the type of material used and the choice of colour can be very im -portant and communicate a sense of quality and care. This will of course be speci�c to departments and the treatments being used in that department. In terms of textiles, for example, there is a preferred use of darker colours, such as blue for bed-linen in a dermatology unit. This obviates the stress for the patient of seeing ointment and skintreatment emulsions staining the sheets, which can be embarrassing.

Bed-linenThe colour, quality and appearance of hospital bed-linen with printed nu-mbers or hospital names is often said to be fairly depressing for patients. Upgrading the sheets on beds in some healthcare buildings would impro-ve patient morale considerably. Patients are not the only ones affected by the poor textiles used; staff would also appreciate better quality sheets so that they could provide attractive and pleasing environments for their patients.

Both staff and patients would like modern equivalents such as �tted shee-ts and duvets to ease the task of bed-making. It would also present a mo-re modern feel to the ward, in keeping with current trends. Apart from white, the colours peach, green and blue are currently in use (dependin-g on the type of ward).

Pastel colours related to zones of the hospital could be used to assist with a colour scheme. Cream is a functional but clean colour which may not show much staining or soiling; yet it has been described as “homely” and recommended by some staff in NHS hospitals.

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Blankets and top linenBlankets and top linen are often seen by the patient and staff as important elements in cr-eating a sense of well-being. The blanket th-at appears to be in most general use is the cellular blanket; it may be either cotton or a mixed-�bre fabric. They withstand considera-ble laundering but deteriorate in appearan-ce and need to be replaced before they be-come too worn out or dingy.

Many patients and staff would prefer thin, washable duvet-style covers for the wards. Staff cite “ease of bed-making” and the patients a “more homely feel” as their reasons for this. As wards are usually warm, a light-er version of a duvet could be used for pati-ents and laundered when they leave the ho-spital bed. This would give the colour desig-ner a chance to introduce some uplifting co-lours into the ward.

Colour can also be important on blankets ortop linen to re�ect softer colour in the immed-iate environment. Designers often underesti-mate the power of surface-re�ected colour. The difference between the two photographswhich were taken one minute apart is the ad-dition of a coloured duvet cover and the useof wooden blinds to re�ect a softer coloured light.

UpholsteryThe choice of colours for materials used in upholstery should be based on practical and aesthetic criteria. Furniture adds to the over all impression of an environment and is usually a large and fairly permanent part of the building. Quality seating can help patien-ts feel comfortable and at ease.

Coloured sheets are often needed for clinical reasons; blue bed-linen is prefer-red within some dermatology units

The design and quality of linens offered for hospital beds is usually fairly limited. It has been said that this creates an unnecessary institutional, as opposed to domestic, feel to the wards

The quality of blankets and top linen are seen by patients and staff as important elements for a sense of well-being

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A practical choice of colour linked to a tec-hnically tough man-made material which can at least be wipeable or waterproof is advisable.The colour of furniture is a vital part of any scheme and contributes a cons-iderable amount to the colour scheme.

Wooden furniture comes in a range of col-ours from light beech to dark woods such as teak or rosewood, which can be includ-ed in any interior décor plans. Fabrics wo-uld have to be easy to launder.

A pleasant waiting area with carefully arranged comfortable seating can help reduce stress and give patients a little privacy

The appearance, material and colour of seating in an entrance makes a big impr-ession on the people entering the buildingWindow treatments

For lighting and colour design, the most important element of a building in the daytim-e is the window. Daylight can be manag-ed by the �ltering of light by different type-s of blinds or sheer translucent fabrics. At night, windows that are not covered in som-e way are essentially “black holes” and can be very depressing if the view has no illumination

Vertical blinds can control light effectively, are not so prone to accumulation of dirt and can introduce some colour into the en-vironment.

The material and colour of either the blinds or the fabrics can create some surprising colour effects, which re�ect off walls or beds nearby.

Evening or night-time illumination needs to preserve the consistency of ambience from daytime into the evening

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Venetian blinds can re�ect extra light into a room or onto a ceiling or wall. Wooden bli-nds can re�ect a warmer coloured light into the room and might be useful for softening staff rooms or of�ces. In areas of the hospi-tal which have poor external views or low levels of available daylight, the selection of window treatments can affect the atmosphe-re greatly.

Vertical blinds can introduce some colour and enhance the environment considerably especially if the views are urban and not scenic

Wooden blinds can re�ect a warmer light into a cold room

CurtainsCurtains are a staple material in hospitals and found in most parts of the building. They soften the environment visually and ac-oustically and in many cases form the divis-ions of interior spaces. In wards, curtains act as a wall or boundary between patients providing a certain level of privacy. Careshould be taken to ensure that patients, sta-ff and visitors can appreciate the textiles.

When lined, the curtains often have their lined side facing the patient. This has prove-n unpopular and consideration should be given to the use of fabrics which are revers-ible, woven or have some degree of transl-ucency to allow light to �lter through yet still retain some privacy.

The designs of most woven fabrics have thede�nite advantage of looking attractive fro-m both sides.The healthcare environment isstill to some extent dominated by �oral texti-le designs. Whilst achieving a homely feel for some patients, the preferences of teen-agers, children or men still need exploring judging from comments received. Floral textiles have dominated the hospital

environment for many years

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Wood +

Human Health

A recent study at the University of British Columbia and FP Innovations has established a link between wood and human health. In the study the presence of visual wood surfaces in a room lowered sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation. The SNS is responsible for physiological stress responses in humans. This result opens the door to a myriad of stress-re-lated health bene�ts that the presence of wood may afford in the built environment. The application of wood to promote health indoors is a ne-w tool for practitioners of evidence-based design.

“The application of wood visual surfaces indoors is one way to reduce stress and promote health in building occupants.”

The effect of plants on humans indoors raised the possibility that wood surfaces may also provide some health effects. This study provided evide-nce that such a relationship exists between humans and wood surfaces applied indoors.

Theoretical BackgroundThe stress reducing effects of outdoor nature are well documented from a scienti�c perspective. Exposure to nature has been shown lower blood pressure, heart rate, and aggression. Nature also increases the ability to focus attention and perform concentration and creative tasks. One land-mark study of hospital patients recovering from abdominal surgery found that patients in rooms with a view to nature had shorter post-operative hospital stays and required fewer analgesics than patients with a view of another building from their window.

If we are to bene�t from the stress-reducing properties of nature we need to spend more time outdoors or �nd a way to bring nature indoors. This has been achieved in the past by introducing plants into the built indoor environment. The same stress reducing effects of outdoor nature have re-peatedly been shown to apply to human responses to plants indoors.

WOOD AND HUMAN HEALTH

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The application of wood visual surfaces indoors is one way to reduce stress and promote health in building occupants. In architecture, “eviden-ce-based design” is a growing �eld that seeks to promote health and optimize out comes based on scienti�cally credible evidence. This study establishes wood as a tool in the pursuit of evidence-based design and healthy building occupants.

Healthcare environments have been the top priority with respect to evid-ence based design to date. However, school and of�ce environments are now being considered as the amount of time spent in these environ-ments is great and can in�uence one’s overall health. The application of wood in hospitals, schools, and of�ces should be a priority as we consi-der not just sustainability, but occupant health in the new decade.

Building Health with Wood

Select Health Benefits of Nature - Lower pain perception - Faster recovery - Fewer reported illnesses - Fewer sick days - Greater attention - Greater creativity - Lower aggression - Better interpersonal relations

Images taken at IITG Hospital, The furniture is made of Wood and they are growing plants in the hospital corridor which create healing environment for the patients

Submitted by : Jarupala Sridhar 10020517

Pre- Final Year Department of Design

Guided by : Dr. Utpaul Barua Associate Professor