Human-centric Design in Hospitals: A Lifeline for Recovery

By Adam Ahmad Saufi

As a post-renal transplant patient, I have spent countless hours within the sterile walls of hospitals, observing the subtle nuances that either aid or hinder the recovery process. These experiences have provided me with a unique perspective on the crucial role that thoughtful hospital design plays in patient well-being. In addition to having clinical excellence and state-of-the-art technology, human-centric aspects of hospital design truly make a difference in the healing journey.

THE HEALING EFFECT OF THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
The room I occupied during my recovery was bathed in natural light, with a view of a small garden that brought a touch of nature indoors. The calming colour palette and the quiet environment allowed me to rest and recuperate without constant disruptions. The sense of privacy and personal space provided a much-needed respite from the clinical atmosphere, making my hospital stay more bearable and even pleasant.

From this, it can be seen that the integration of colours, lighting, privacy and acoustic comfort into hospital design is not just about creating aesthetically pleasing spaces—it is also about cultivating an environment that supports holistic healing. Each of these elements interacts with the others to create a sanctuary where patients can recover both physically and emotionally.

Adequate exposure to daylight can improve mood and energy levels

THE POWER OF COLOURS AND LIGHTING
The visual ambience is one of the most obvious elements encountered upon entering a hospital environment. The colours and lighting of a space are not only aesthetic choices, but they are also fundamental elements that can significantly impact a patient’s mood and stress levels.

Scientific studies have shown that certain colours can stimulate specific emotional responses. For instance, soft blues and greens have calming effects, which can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace. These colours can be particularly beneficial in wards and waiting areas, where patients and their caretakers often experience high levels of stress and anxiety. Conversely, warmer colours like yellows and oranges can rejuvenate spirits. They can be strategically applied in areas such as physical therapy rooms to encourage activity and engagement.

Project Case Study
Cyberjaya Hospital: Greener Hospitals for People and Planet

Aerial view of Cyberjaya Hospital

By Ar. David Teoh

Apart from the use of colour and lighting, as well as attention to privacy and acoustic comfort, green healthcare facilities can also provide a healthier environment to support the healing process. PAB Architecture Sdn Bhd was engaged in designing Cyberjaya Hospital, a 288-bed public hospital located in Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia, commissioned by Cyberview Sdn Bhd on behalf of the government. It is the first government hospital to have been awarded the Green Building Index (GBI)’s Completion and Verification Assessment (CVA) Platinum rating certificate under the Non-Residential New Construction (NRNC) – Hospital Rating Tool.

The design brief for this project was to create a hospital with a visually memorable, cheerful and healing environment, based on green and salutogenic design principles. Equipped with a complete range of facilities, the latest medical equipment and integrated building management systems, the hospital is mindful of the diverse needs of multiple user groups.

Light shelves bring natural light deep into the rooms

GREEN BUILDING DESIGN APPROACHES
To achieve this, the team focused on several key considerations:

• Efficient Planning
• Access to Natural Light
• Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality
• Energy Efficiency
• Material Selection

The light-filled atrium serves as a focal point for the hospital

ADAM AHMAD SAUFI

Associate at PAB Architecture Sdn Bhd Adam’s passion for designing better healthcare facilities stems from his own experiences with frequent hospital stays due to personal health issues. He has brought to the team his firsthand insights into hospital procedures, flow, as well as patient and staff encounters. These experiences cultivated his dedication to improving healthcare environments with his professional skills, so as to drive impactful and patient-centred architectural solutions.

DAVID TEOH

Director at PAB Architecture Sdn Bhd As a leader of an established transdisciplinary design firm, David is passionate about creating healthier environments for people and the planet. From small-scale interior fit-outs and major commercial towers to large urban master plans, he has consistently been an advocate and champion for sustainable building practices in every project. In 2023, he was named one of the top 40 emerging Malaysian architects under the age of 40 at the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF).

Widely regarded as a pioneering transdisciplinary consultancy specialising in healthcare architecture in Malaysia, PAB Architecture Sdn Bhd celebrates its 50^th anniversary in 2024. The firm’s mission is to design healthier ecologies for people and the planet. The firm has embraced continuous improvement (kaizen) as its core value and has been gradually building capacity over the past decade in the field of green building design.

This is an excerpt. The original article is published in
Construction+ Q3 2024 Issue: Constructing Healthcare.
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