Architectural Psychology and Biophilia in Healthcare FINAL - Flipbook - Page 6
and restoration ‐ in general ‐ are well documented. Several studies have indicated
that even briefly viewing nature settings can produce substantial and rapid
psychological and physiological restoration from stress. Stress‐reducing effects
include reduced levels of negative emotions such as fear and anger and elevated
positive emotions such as pleasantness, and changes in physiological systems
indicative of diminished stress.
Studies in both laboratories and real environments have consistently found that
viewing nature produces significant physiological restoration within three to five
minutes at most, as evidenced, for example, in brain electrical activity, blood pressure,
heart activity, and muscle tension.
A study of patients recovering from abdominal surgery found that those assigned to
rooms with a bedside view of nature (trees) had significantly less pain, shorter post‐
surgery stays, better emotional well‐being, and fewer minor complaints than matched
patients assigned to identical rooms with windows overlooking a brick wall (Ulrich,
1984).
Spine Center at Florida Hospital Celebration
Health, Kissimmee
Gardens in healthcare facilities have been
found to not only provide restorative and
pleasant nature views, but also reduce stress
and improve outcomes through other
established mechanisms such as fostering
access to privacy and social support, creating
opportunities for restorative escape (and
control) with respect to stressful clinical
environments, and providing settings that
enable physically active pursuits in pleasant
nature surroundings ranging from active play
to physical rehabilitation.
Other research suggests that gardens can also be important for reducing stress in
healthcare workers and increasing job satisfaction.
Light:
Research on residents in Alzheimer’s disease care units has linked facilities designed
with higher light exposure with lower patient agitation levels (Sloane, 1998). Studies
published in the American Journal of Psychiatry have found that light can significantly
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