The Impact of Applying Biophilic Design in Children’s Hospital Waiting Areas on Users’ Psychological State
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the impact of applying biophilic design principles to pediatric hospital waiting areas on users’ psychological well-being. It proposed design solutions intended to improve the quality of the interior environment, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and enhance comfort and reassurance among children and their families. The study employed biophilic design principles based on the integration of direct and indirect natural elements within the interior space, including plants, natural lighting, natural materials, nature-inspired colors, and organic forms, in a manner consistent with children’s psychological and sensory needs in healthcare environments.
The researcher developed ten proposed designs for pediatric hospital waiting areas. AutoCAD 2026 was used to prepare the floor plans, SketchUp 2026 to create the three-dimensional models, and D5 Render to visualize materials, lighting, and natural elements and to produce realistic final renderings. The proposed designs were evaluated through two questionnaires: one administered to specialists and the other to users. The questionnaires aimed to assess the aesthetic, functional, and psychological suitability of the designs.
The statistical results revealed high quality ratings for the proposed designs from the perspectives of both specialists and users, indicating a clear acceptance of the application of biophilic design in waiting areas. The findings also demonstrated that integrating natural elements into interior spaces contributes to improving the user experience, promoting psychological comfort, and enhancing the quality of the healing environment.
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