architecture that heals
The knowledge of psychology in architecture is often reached for when designing public facilities. Their functionality and friendliness can be much better if the emotions of the audience are taken into account.
We can significantly influence them with a series of design treatments," comments Paulina Czurak, owner of the Ideograf design office. - With the tone of colors or choice of materials, we can put the recipient into reverie, reflection or joy and excitement. With light we can create a sense of mystery, enigma or lightness and relaxation. The choice of the size of the glazing, on the other hand, will create a climate of transparency, openness, or tranquility, closure, he adds.
Designing a hospital is a huge challenge. When working on such a building, architects must keep in mind specific technological and functional requirements, as well as a myriad of equipment, installations or ducts. But technical issues are not everything. This is well known to architects from the Arch-Decodesign office, who have to their credit the design of the largest hospital complex in Pomerania: The Center for Invasive and Non-Invasive Medicine in Gdansk and the University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok.
As reported by Michal Baryżewski, co-owner of the Arch-Deco architectural firm, when working on the Center for Invasive and Non-Invasive Medicine, one of the key goals was to create a space friendly to patients and staff.
The context of architectural psychology when designing both buildings was very important to us. According to research, the right environment translates into faster recovery and reduces stress levels for patients and visitors. By using natural materials, subdued colors or introducing art , we wanted to soothe emotions and nerves, calm and reassure all hospital users. We also paid a lot of attention to lighting. We planned a lot of natural light in the CMN's rooms, and designed the windows at such a height that patients lying in beds could observe what was happening outside.
Center for Invasive Medicine, design: Arch-Deco
Zbigniew Reszka, president of Arch-Deco, adds:
We subordinated the spatial composition and architectural and materialsolutions in the Center for Non-Invasive Medicine to the idea of humanizing the hospital space. Green patios-gardensaccessible from the main routes will create places with a friendly atmosphere. They will allow to commune with natural vegetation, which gives respite. In turn, the day rooms for patients located next to the patios and the café with service establishments next to the central patio will provide public rest areas, he explains.
A talented architect is like a novelist. He guides the user of the project according to his narrative - influences his mood, stimulates or relaxes him. Skillful handling of emotions is especially important in public buildings, such as offices, courts or hospitals. However, a good design of a place of residence certainly enhances the quality of life and makes every day spent in it pass with the kind of emotions that its recipient cares about.
elaborated. ed.
based on a press release
