Blending sustainability and biophilic medical design

Biophilia means love of nature. Introducing nature into medical centres through biophilic design has potential health benefits for patients and staff. It’s also important to consider the environmental impact of our buildings. Medical design and fit-out company Evoke Projects explains how clever healthcare design can blend sustainability and biophilia for the best of both worlds. 

Advantages of biophilic medical design

People’s response to nature can be very strong. You only have to think about your own reactions while enjoying a scenic walk, relaxing in the backyard or swimming at the beach. Contemplate how you feel in a bright room with natural daylight compared with fluorescent lighting. Perhaps an indoor plant or a landscape painting brings you joy each day.  

Biophilic interior design brings nature into our homes, workplaces and other buildings where we spend time. It engages our senses of sight, smell, hearing and touch. A herb garden would even indulge our sense of taste! 

Research has shown that patients in rooms overlooking green areas had shorter postoperative hospital stays and used less pain medication than patients in similar rooms but overlooking the built environment. Another report stated that 95% of patients and families exposed to nature had lower stress levels, more positive attitudes and improved coping skills.1 

Is biophilic design good for the environment?

You might think that any design that increases our oneness with nature would be good for the environment. However, without an environmental impact assessment of any planned fit-out, the result might surprise you. Imagine creating a wonderful living green space for patients and staff to enjoy. Very biophilic. Where is the water coming from? How can you avoid water wastage? Smart irrigation is essential to make this both a sustainable and biophilic solution.  

Blending sustainability and biophilia within the design

The medical design team at Evoke Projects offer ideas for biophilic design that are also good for the environment. 

• Skylights and large windows for natural light will reduce electricity usage and the bills! 
• Smart energy-efficient lighting that adapts according to usage and the amount of natural light available at different times of day. 
• Smart irrigation systems will optimise water usage, while a trickling water feature can form part of the irrigation system. 
• Reclaimed wood and low-carbon footprint materials such as bamboo, hemp and cork are all good choices for a new medical fit-out. 
• Responsible disposal of hazardous material and adopting low-VOC cleaning protocols and building materials helps to maintain good air quality. 
• Installing opening windows allows for natural airflow to reduce reliance on the HVAC system. This will not be possible in healthcare practices where infection control is covered by Australian Standards.  
• Recycling and waste management programs demonstrates a commitment to the environment and a biophilic approach to practice operations. 
• Solar panel installation can become a creative part of the exterior design – incorporate the panels into a biophilic roof garden or shade structure. 

With imagination and a commitment to improving the patient and employee experience, there is so much potential! 

To discuss blending sustainability and biophilic design within your medical fit-out, please call Evoke Projects on 1300 720 692.