From the perspective of an architect focused on applying neuroscience principles to design, “architecture may not heal us, but it enhances the healing process.” Architecture, interior design, and urban planning all play significant roles in shaping the health and well-being of people.
Our first interaction is always with the physical environment, and the spaces we inhabit influence us throughout our lives. Healing spaces—those that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being—should also engage and stimulate us. When it comes to healing, stimulating the senses is essential. Architecture, experienced through elements like volume, color, spatial geometry, texture, light, acoustics, and intricate details, profoundly affects our bodies. It influences our brain, moods, behaviors, feelings, and emotions, all of which contribute to the healing process. Whether recovering from illness, trauma, or the everyday stresses of life, our perception of our environment enhances our health and well-being, even in daily routines.
Healing spaces shouldn’t be confined to healthcare facilities alone. They should extend to our neighborhoods, homes, and both interior and exterior environments. It’s not about a specific place or setting; healing should be an integral part of the architectural design process—promoting health every day, subconsciously, unconsciously, and consciously. For example, whether it’s a bench in an outdoor area or the courtyard of a building, it’s the choice that provides comfort. This choice fosters a sense of connection—connection with ourselves, our surroundings, and one another. Architecture has a powerful role in designing for that choice.
Our bodies are sensitive to the spaces we inhabit. When we are in a volumetric space, our visual and auditory senses are activated. Sometimes, it’s that feeling of awe that can momentarily freeze us. In a park, we often remove our shoes—the soft texture of the grass soothes us, and lying down brings a deep sense of calm. Our olfactory sense is also activated by the smells of grass, soil, and flowers. Conversely, in a hospital, the clinical smells, sterile furniture, and harsh visuals can make a visitor feel ill simply by association. Everything we see, hear, touch, or smell sends signals to the brain, evoking various emotions, feelings, and physical reactions.
It’s vital to take an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to everything we build because of its impact on the users. To fully grasp the user-space relationship, especially in specialized contexts, architects must collaborate with medical professionals to ensure designs are suitable for users. This is especially critical when addressing the needs of neurodiverse populations and striving for inclusivity. Ultimately, everything we design is for the people who will inhabit it, which is why collaboration is key to creating spaces that truly serve users.
To be continued…
This is a collaborative article- to create synergy between architect, neuroscientist and environmental psychologist regarding the idea of ‘healing spaces’. Connect with us to know more.